I had to put in this video from youtube. Not only was it interesting, backed by research and thorough it also had bits from a Simpson's episode in it! If you have the time it is worth watching, one of the better videos I viewed on why phones are being banned and how and why schools should embrace them in their curriculum.

I also found an article relevant to the Australian educational context on schools rethinking bans on mobile devices: Teachers urged to rethink mobile phone ban.
It states that schools banning devices are failing to provide children with a 21st century education. It also highlights how they are being perceived showing that a turn aorund in attitude towards their potential is required,

"We haven't really sat down and really thought about, `Is this an important tool?' A lot of us are still thinking this is just a mobile phone and a mobile phone is for talking and this should not be in class."