By: Brendan Townsend ’25
A lot can happen outside of school between 8 a.m. and 3:20 p.m., Monday through Friday. Whether you’re checking last night’s sports highlights, texting friends and family about plans, or just taking a break with an endless stream of reels, chances are you’ll find yourself reaching for your phone at some point during the school day.
The problem? Phones aren’t allowed to be out in school. This list breaks down the best and worst spots to use your phone, so you can scroll in peace without a phone snatcher crossing your path.
The Worst Places
- The Chapel – Few students have dared to pull this off. Even with everyone looking down (or asleep) during assemblies, the chapel seems to activate a sixth sense in phone snatchers, allowing them to pinpoint anyone sneaking a glance at their screen. No matter how important it is, save it for after assembly. Safety level: 0.1/10
- Glass Seminar Rooms – These must have been designed by phone snatchers themselves. Secluded? Yes. Safe? Absolutely not. If a snatcher appears in the hallway, you’ll be forced to sit and watch helplessly as they walk closer and closer, seeing everything you’re doing through the massive window. Safety level: 1.5/10
- The First Floor Lobby – As the main entrance to the school and directly across from the administrative offices, this is one of the riskiest places to pull out your phone. Unless it’s before advisory, don’t even think about it. The chances of getting caught are almost certain. Safety level: 2/10
- The Second Floor Lounge – A favorite hangout for underclassmen, but also one of the most exposed spots in the school. With two hallways and two staircases feeding into this open space, you’re a sitting duck for snatchers moving through. If you’re going to risk it, keep your head on a swivel. Safety level: 4.5/10
- The Third Floor Lounge – This is a high-risk, high-reward spot. It’s the senior hangout, where upperclassmen relax, nap, and scroll in peace. However, some of the most notorious phone snatchers prowl this area. Stay aware, or you might get caught off guard. Safety level: 6/10
The Best Places
- Second Floor Library – Since the last time a book was checked out was probably before Fisher Hall was built, this might be the most remote location in the Upper School. Head up the spiral stairs, and you’ll find a quiet space where no teacher is willing to risk the climb just to confiscate a phone. Safety level: 10/10
- Fully Enclosed Seminar Rooms – These used to be all over campus, but now they’re rare. If you manage to find an open one, take a seat with a few friends and do whatever you want. As long as there isn’t a class next door, no one will bother you. Safety level: 9.8/10
- The STEM Lab – Located across from Fisher Hall, this is a prime spot. Mr. Janssen is usually in his office overlooking the room, so you need to exercise caution. No other teachers pass through here though, making it one of the safest bets. Safety level: 8.5/10
- Fisher Hall Downstairs – With plenty of couches and hidden corners, this area sees very little foot traffic from phone snatchers. Even if one does appear, you can easily adjust your position and put your phone away before they get close. Surprisingly underused compared to the second and third-floor lounges. Safety level: 9/10
- Empty Classrooms – No teacher? No problem. During your free periods, most teachers won’t care if you’re on your phone. Just make sure you know which teacher owns the classroom before settling in. Safety level: 8.5/10
If you’re going to bend the rules, do it wisely. Stay aware of your surroundings, and happy scrolling.
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