How can I stop the kids in my classroom from playing games on their cell phones during class?
I’ve read the other answers, and while they are all good ideas, I’ve found that strict discipline and harsh reinforcement are rarely fully effective, and simply arouses resentment among students. This type of restriction– banning or punishment– will cause sullenness and rebellion, and there will still be people secretly playing in class. Here is my suggestion: I’m sure you’ve heard of the whip and the carrot. People also react well to others (especially their superiors) admitting that they can relate to them and that they, for all their superiority, are no better than others. So, inform your class in a light and pleasant manner that while you know it must be hard to sit through a class attentively, and that they might find it much more entertaining to play games, you must regrettably ask them to refrain from doing so in class. Tell them it’s not your wish to deprive them of anything, but that according to your job you have to ensure that the material gets across to them. Then offer s
