The dreaded rule regarding keeping phones in cell phone pockets during each class period has become more lenient as of the 2024-2025 school year in Neshaminy High School (NHS).

Cell phone pockets were originally introduced to prevent students from using their phones during class. Teachers at NHS are now permitted to enforce their own decisions regarding phone usage in their classrooms. 

Every teacher is known to conduct their classroom in a different way. Spanish teacher, Laura Herceg, who has been using phone pockets in her classroom before it was made mandatory, shared how she has encouraged students to abide by her policies. 

“I sometimes give extra credit for using the pockets,” Herceg explained. “Sometimes I count it as a participation grade.”

Herceg understands that situations may arise where students need to access their phones, and she has a method of dealing with that issue.

“Step out into the hallway, take care of what you need to take care of, and come back in,” Herceg remarked. “And I think because I handle [the situation] that way because I respect it, I think  [students] generally respect my rule.”

NHS History teacher David Ferrara has his own opinion on how the phone pocket rules have changed.

 He explained, “I think what’s changed from year to year is the consistency of teachers. Like David Ferrara might make you do it and your English teacher or math teacher may not.” 

Most students are likely to follow the rules if they are given the right amount of encouragement from their teachers.

Students have their perspectives on the rule as well.

“Most students see it as more of an expectation than a choice, that may result in consequences,”  NHS Senior, Rachel Rubbo shared. “Rather than becoming less strict, I think many teachers are probably tired of trying to enforce [the phone pocket rule] to students that don’t listen.”