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Cell Phones

I am an intern in a high school EBD classroom. The students have great difficulty putting their cell phones away, and often ignore me the asked or take it right back out. We are not supposed to confiscate the phones. What should I do to get them to put their phones away?

Posted on: 02/23/17 | Views: 3976
Solution #1
Top Solution
This happens often at the high school I am interning in. What it has come down to in my classroom, is that we end up having to write the students a referral if they continue to disobey the request to put the phone away. Before going to the extreme of sending the student to the office, we give them 3 opportunities to make the choice to put it away. It is a very frustrating situation.
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Solution #2
Instead of getting them to put them away, is there a way to incorporate the phones into the lessons? If they are going to be constantly on them anyway, make them use them for school. A great website that can help is called polleverywhere.com (or something like that). You can create polls and fun text blocks that the students can text their answers to or play games with. This creates a more controlled situation with the phones, especially if they refuse to put them away.

I always enjoyed getting to use my cell phone, this is a great idea.

i agree with incorporation phones into the lesson plans.

I do not think this is a great solution as it could make the problem worse. Even the kids that haven't been using the phones will now have an excuse to use them and you know they will be on FB and not the website instructed to use.

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Solution #3
I am also an intern in a high school classroom, but mine is ESE without EBD. One teacher with whom I am working has a basket by the door of the classroom. She requires that all students place their cell phones in the bin as they enter the classroom. The students are familiar with this policy and, for the most part, cooperate. That being said, for those who do not and are caught using their cell phones, the teacher makes sure to follow the policy of confiscating the phone and writing a referral. After her doing this the first time, it has not been an issue since. The students saw that she was not kidding about this policy and decided it was easier to cooperate.

This would be my solution for the problem, I saw one of my teachers had a door hanger and the phones had cubbies and each cubby had the students name on it so my teacher would know who still had their phone. She only did this on testing days.

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Solution #4
I personally would take further action by implementing consequences. Students need to know this behavior is rude and unacceptable.

I agree! Students are at school to learn, not spend time on their cellphones. Giving consequences could help!

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Solution #5
Personally I have faced the same situation with my high schoolers that I am interning with. The use of their phones during instructional time got to be very distracting for both myself and the students. One day before we began class, I conducted a class discussion, with the approval of my CT of course, about cell phones. I posed the question with the students about how they think their cell phone use affects their learning. After holding the class discussion, we came to the conclusion that the students will place their phones face down on their desks while I am instructing and while they do their work. This eventually became a part of the new classroom management plan. At first it did not work well, but eventually students got used to the new routine.
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Solution #6
I would let students know that cell phones are not allowed in the class unless ALL classwork has been completed. This may motivate students to get their work done. If students do not follow this rule then I would have consequences for them.
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Solution #7
Have a phone bucket. Collect phones at beginning of class.
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Solution #8
I have always liked the idea of keeping a basket in a common area of the classroom to ask students to place their phones into at the beginning of the class. You could also integrate extrinsic motivation by rewarding the students who put their phones into the basket or do not pull them out during class. Before sending the student(s) with a referral to the office, you could bring this issue to the attention of the parents or caregivers first. There are parental controls that can be placed on phones during school hours. If they can't use the phone's functions during class, then they will not be as inclined to take them out.
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Solution #9
I would try incorporating the phones in the lesson and make sure they are staying on tasks by walking by and checking on them through out the lesson.
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Solution #10
If you make the rule at the start of the class that the students will put their phones into a designated area, you aren't confiscating it. Set it as a rule at the start of the year in writing. Explain what will happen if the student doesn't comply. Then enforce it. An easy designated area is to get one of those hanging storage containers that hang on a door like a shoe rack. Clear and see through so no one can say someone stole their phone. Once you have established this as a rule, you aren't confiscating their phone.
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Solution #11
Integrate the cell phones into the lessons. There are many different ways to do this. You can have students review as well as complete work using their cell phones, and even complete assessments. This is of course not always going to be possible, but it will help students use technology for the better.
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Solution #12
I would warn them and explain to them if they take it out again without being advised you are going to write them a referral. My school had alternative bell schedule, where they'd have to come in at 12 and stay till 5 and no one was really there so they either had to sit there and do their work or just sit there - both options are pretty boring. If they didn't show up to that they were suspended for 3 days. Discipline like this isn't always the answer but if they keep ignoring you, you have to make an example out of someone.
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Solution #13
Cellphones seem to be a big problem in schools these days. I would maybe have lectures that have students use their phones for assignments. I think this is always going to be a big deal. Maybe offer extra credit when students don't use their phone or take off points when they have their phone out.
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Solution #14
The idea of incorporating cell phones into the lesson is a pretty good solution, but if you personally do not want phones used at all in your class, then try to have them put the phones on the top corners of their desks face down and their hands where you can see them. You will be able to see if a phone is missing from a desk corner. Also, another idea is, since you are not allowed to confiscate phones, have a little box under the desk (like towards the front of the desk, but still under it where its not a hazard) where you can see them. You will be able to keep track of the phones and if they are missing from a box. Also, set some harder consequences if a student is still caught using them.

I like the idea of keeping phones visible. I will implement this in my classroom.

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Solution #15
Make sure that the rules and procedures of the class are posted and reviewed. After that, students should be given a warning. If that does not work, parents can be notified and after that the administration might need to become involved.
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Solution #16
taking away privileges to those who can not follow classroom rules and giving privileges to those who do follow classroom rules would help with the use of cellphones. An inicitve of free time where they are able to be on their phones if they participate in class and follow the rules, no cell phones.
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Solution #17
A solution could be to have other consequences other than confiscating the phone. Classroom privileges could be taken away for students who have their phones out. Or another solution would be to use positive rewards for having phones put away as a way to motivate the students.
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Solution #18
Having a basket in the front of the room would work but I also think rewarding students who do not use their phones would be a good idea. Maybe have a chart of days where students do not use their phones and give small rewards. Students who still choose to use their phones could face consequences.
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Solution #19
If I were in this situation, I would set rules for using cell phone but I would also have consequences if those rules were broken.
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Solution #20
It is called cell phone jail, a nice big box they can plop there phones in if they choose to disregard the class or school rules.
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Solution #21
Simply put rules in place and if those rules are broken then consequences need to be in place as well. Of course with a well informed warning to begin with.
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Solution #22
I would implement a consequence for cell phone use during class time.
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Solution #23
I can understand how students having their phones out can be distracting. There might be a reason for it. Are the students with EBD using their phones as an easier way to communicate? Are they using them as comfort? Are your lessons not interesting enough? First try to figure out, maybe by talking with them, why they feel the need to always be on their phones. Then, let them know that you understand their need. Try to incorporate the phones into your learning. Let them know that the phones can't always be a part of the lessons, but if they give you their attention without having the phones for a certain amount of time, you will then let them use the phones for a fun activity. This privilege should only be given if the students put them away and listen to your lesson first. A fun way to incorporate phones into teaching is through a website called kahoot.com. As a college student, this was still a fun way to learn so I imagine high school students will find it to be a fun reward too.
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Solution #24
Maybe try to designate times of the class when the phones aren't allowed and then have times they can use them, maybe when doing independent work.
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Solution #25
An idea that I saw in a classroom was to have a spot for students to put their phones during class. The area was also a charging are and seemed to give incentive for students to place their phones there.
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Solution #26
I would try to do at least one activity a day where the students are allowed to use their cell phones. They can do research, play intellectual games, or even use an interactive question website to review content (kahoot). During the remainder of class when the students are not allowed to use thier phones, I would create a point system where they start with 20 points and lose one each time that they take out their phone. At the end of the week, if the student does not have 15 points or higher, they will receive a consequence.
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Solution #27
When I was observing a couple classes last semester, I noticed some really good ideas that teachers were using to solve the cell phone problem. For one, this teacher had one of those hang over the door shoe organizers. She had labeled each pocket with a number and each one was assigned to a student. So, at the beginning of each class the students will put their phones in the organizer so they will not be distracted. Another, was when the teacher continuously see a student or students with their phones they will make them put their phones in the "phone jail". Which is why I clear, glass jar at on the teachers desk.
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Solution #28
I am an intern also, and I once was under the impression that teachers could not take away a students phone; but, I also noticed this semester that teachers do take away their phones if they do not cooperate by putting them away or are using them when not supposed to. I would create a special box on the desk that phones go into if the students to not cooperate and advise them that they cellphones will be handed back when they are on task or at the end of the class period.
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Solution #29
Make a classroom rule that the students must put their phones in their backpacks as soon as the walk on the class. Remind the students as they walk in to put their phones away.
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Solution #30
Implement a reward system for students when they are not using their phone and slowly fade out the reinforcement when the behavior subsides.
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Solution #31
Write the referrals if they continue to use their phones or create an environment where learning is so unique and they won't want to go on their phones.
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Solution #32
You can always get parents involved, provide incentives and consequences, and also incorporate the technology into the lesson but I would not do it as a way of compliance with their behavior. First correct it and then use it as an incentive and reward.
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Solution #33
There are interactive games called Kahoot that students can play with on their phones but if they switch taps it signs them out of the game. It is a great game and students love it! Kahoot is a game that teachers can make for their students
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Solution #34
Maybe having a basket or a clear case at your desk that students can put their phones in before class starts might be an idea. Or instead of having all students put their phones in the basket, you might be able to implement a warning system. If they do not listen to your request to put the phone away so many times then after that warning, have them put the phone in the basket.
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Solution #35
If the student continues to keep using their phone you may need to give them a consequence for not following the schools rules.
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Solution #36
I would create a classroom rule about phones. At the start of class the phones need to be turned off and put away. Try to explain to students that the phones are distracting and they lose out on educational time. Let them know that this is a class rule and rules have consequences. Therefore, if they do not want to be written up then their phone needs to be put away. If implementing this rule does not work then bring it to administrations attention. Also, express to parents the importance of leaving phones home or telling their kids to respect the class rules.
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Solution #37
Put a consequence in place for students having their phones out. First warn the students, then if it continues follow up with the consequence.
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Solution #38
I like the idea of integrating the phones into the lesson
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Solution #39
Establish rules and policies regarding cell phone use within the classroom. I would refer to school policy and abide by those policies. This is also something that should be addressed and communicated from the very beginning.
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Solution #40
You should talk to your CT about some kind of consequence you can give the students when they will not respect your wishes to put the phones away.
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Solution #41
After seeing one or two students using cell phones in a class then I would do a classroom warning. "Please put all phones away, if I see anyone else using their phone then there will be written up. Phones are only allowed during free time, classroom group games or projects." That was just an example. I'd also provide classroom games where they can use their phone or free time such as Kahoot or classroom projects where they can research on their phones.
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Solution #42
you can either integrate them into the classroom or you have the students put their phones in a basket the teacher watches over them during the day. at breaks like lunch and pe the students may have them during the day but when lessons are being taught they be in the basket. at the end of the day, you give them back.
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Solution #43
Have point system and if they take their phones they will get enough points their grades will go down.
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Solution #44
I would make more serious consequences, students need to be sent to the office after multiple requests to put their phones away.

I dont think taking the student out of class time for something like this is appropriate and is not a good use of time.

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Solution #45
Is their a detention they can go to for having their phones out?
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Solution #46
Set a rule that students are not allowed to take their phones out during your class time. Try and set up a reward system for students who keep their phones in their bags the whole class time. This will motivate other students to put their phones away, as well.
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Solution #47
Some say that it is helpful to incorporate cell phones into the classroom, but I feel as though it is difficult to trust high school students with the responsibility of using their phones for academic purposes only. I would have a phone bucket at the door of the classroom for them to drop them off and pick them up on the way out.
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Solution #48
I would by one of those things that cuts out wireless signals for your classroom personally. OR I might make them use there phones to interact with the class activity.
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Solution #49
if they continue to take their phones out then send them to the office or send them to ISS because you cant have distractions in class and if they are not going to listen then there needs to be consequences.
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Solution #50
I would tell the students that one of the class rules is no cell phones during class. If you see a cell phone you need to give consequences such as extra homework.
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Solution #51
I had to start rewarding positive behavior within my classroom. I can not confiscate my students' phones either, but they started to hate being left out of receiving rewards. I do not only give them candy but I started to give them rewards like extra computer time, school supplies, and other stuff that spark their interest.
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Solution #52
Give a participation grade to students who put their phones, and have their materials for class.
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Solution #53
You should give the students several warnings before actually taking action. Make them believe that you are being serious about the consequence you will give them if they do not put it away. If they keep doing it, notify the administrators and let them know about the situation.

I agree with this idea

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Solution #54
I suggest integrating the Cellphones into the course work. I Like using sites like Kahoot and others that make using the phones a positive force in the classroom.
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Solution #55
Have a zero tolerance rule. If you se a phone you take it till the end of the class
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Solution #56
Pop quizzes. Once they keep getting low enough scores for not paying attention, they will begin to put the phones away and focus on the lesson.
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