The school policy is no phones out in the class room for any reason. I generally start strict with it and loosen up as the semester goes on. If it's just sitting on a desk or the end of class, I don't care. When they are on their phone while I am teaching, then I have a problem. some classes I have to constantly address it, others not much. It usually depends on the level of the student.how often are you having to ask kids to put their phones away these days? are cell phone rules at school pretty strict?
One thing I am surprised about is how defiant some kids get when you try to confiscate their phone because they won't put it away. I've had a few tell me I'll never get their phone and it's their right to have it. They don't care if they get an office referral, as long as they keep their phone. I guess for some it is the only nice thing they own.