Methods, systems, and computer program products for reducing distractions caused by user devices are provided herein. A computer-implemented method includes processing items of activity arising from user devices within a group setting, wherein each device is associated with a participating user of the group setting and coupled to a distinct status indicator that designates the corresponding user device as engaging in distracting activity or not engaging in distracting activity. The method also includes comparing each of the items of activity to a collection of user device usage policies for the group setting that identifies context-dependent items of activity arising that serve as a distraction within the group setting. Also, the method includes generating a signal to modify the status indicator of at least one of the user devices corresponding to an item of activity deemed as serving as a distraction, and transmitting the signal to the given user devices.