[icelandelf]

Personally, as a teacher, I abhor cell phones in the classroom. We have signs posted throughout hallways asking that they be turned off, but then class is interrupted by the chiming of students text messaging each other.
Our school allows for phones to be confiscated by the teacher if they are out or on during class, but then we've been directed to take them immediatley up to the office and turn them in to an administrator. That way we aren't held liable if anything happens to the phone. The parent is then allowed to come pick the phone up from the administrator. If the problem becomes chronic, the student may be suspended for persistant insubordination and failure to follow district rules regarding electronic devices.