Get To the "Points"

Being connected is a good thing. I am the first one to advocate for people; adults and kids, to have access to their phones in order to be available and connected pretty much all of the time. The world we live in demands it. Do I think our society needs to exercise courtesy and self control when using devices in certain settings? Yes. After all, we've developed a habit that can be difficult to manage. It takes a lot of willpower to not constantly be checking texts, email, and social media. Especially when we are in work/school situations. Thanks to my son, I've recently discovered an app that helps high school students manage the amount of time they are on their phones. Enter Pocket Points. This app actually encourages people to keep their phones in their pockets during times they should be more engaged live in class. Pocket Points is tied to school locations. Students can download the app, open it, then click their phone closed to start tracking minutes spent off the device. Time off is converted into points that students can redeem for food, treats, and activities at local businesses. While it's small rewards like ice cream or pizza, Pocket Points may be just the incentive some kids need to give their phones a bit of a rest. Parents, do your children have a class in which they should be a little more focused? Then check out Pocket Points, and encourage your kids to give their phones a rest from time to time at school. After all, teaching responsible use should start the second we as parents hand our children their phones.

Note to High School Teachers: Do you find yourself drawn to your personal social media accounts at school? You can use Pocket Points too! What teacher doesn't like an ice cream reward for exercising self control every now and then?