Cell Phone Nuisance!

We all know it exists...the cell phone problem in the classroom. But how do you deal with it when the distraction is hidden?

Just about every student has a phone, but most turn them off during the school days, we can only hope. Phones can be silenced, and now they have the ultra high-pitched ringtone that only those under 18 can hear, but they are still a huge distraction to the entire class. Even when a phone does ring, it is hard to tell where the ring is coming from most of the time.

The ringing of the phones isn't even nearly as bad as texting that can so blatantly happen. Gone was a time when passing notes was a problem. If I am in the middle of a lab, demonstration, or activity how is one supposed to spot a student texting, since they can do it will relatively little movement? Should the cell phones be confiscated immediately after they are found?

Most teachers must ignore the problem, or risk losing control of the class. The only thing I have heard from teachers is to be vigilant that they are not using them during tests and assessments. There has to be more we can do then just try and watch that no one brings one out during a test. Are there any better ideas for combatting this nuisance? Any new ideas or things you have tried?