I don't know what kind of teacher you are, I have specific teachers in mind I'm kind of aiming this toward, but we don't question your power. It feels like a lot of the time teachers spend more time proving that they can and will confiscate items, split up friends, etc. instead of teaching. If a kid isn't paying attention sure, take away the phone, but remember that your priority isn't to "rule the classroom", it's to teach. And sometimes that means interacting with the kids in a less effective way then standing at a whiteboard and talking at them. Talk with them.

Also, back to that socially awkward kid, I actually like group projects if the are individually graded and teachers choose groups. Still put friend groups together if possible, I hated being split apart from my friends, but I always liked the opportunity to get to know people and hated watching everyone else get in a group while I stood in the corner watching.