Many students have been spending less time on their phones in class lately. This could be a result of the newly popular app, “Pocket Points.” Pocket Points is a mobile app that rewards students for not being on their phones during class with points that are redeemable at many local businesses. The points accumulate during school hours at times when the app is open and the phone is locked, therefore encouraging students to pay more attention to class and less attention to their phones.
The app only works during school hours while the students phone is locked with Pocket Points running in the background. One point is earned for every twenty minutes the phone is locked while left on the app. The points are redeemable at places such as Wendy’s, Papa John’s and Subway. For instance, five points earns a free frosty with the purchase of a meal. More points are redeemable for prizes of higher value, 30 points will get a student a free chicken sandwich at Wendy’s.
“I am encouraged to turn my phone off in class because I can get free stuff,” said Robert Lars Johnson, freshman.
The app encourages students to get their friends in on Pocket Points as well. After signing up, students are given a code that awards them and a new member with 10 points when they sign up using the code. This then increases the number of students who keep their phones turned off in class.
“Being on our phones during class has become a large issue, so I think that this app is going to help,” said Katherine Clapp, senior.
Teachers can also take part in encouraging their students to keep off their phones in class by creating their own rewards. Mrs. Hatmaker, a history teacher, offers a curve on a quiz for 350 points or the ability to pick a new seat for 150 points.
“I don’t have the app, but I wish my teachers would participate in it, I would probably get it if they did,” said Jensen Burkeen, senior.
Pocket Points is an innovative way to encourage students to keep their phones turned off in class. Though many teachers already do not allow the use of phones in class, Pocket Points reinforces the disuse as many students are motivated through the various rewards, whether they are discounts to popular off-campus restaurants or prizes specific to their classes.
“I like the app because it encourages me to stay off my phone during school. The rewards are awesome!” said Clapp.
