The change is helping to build community, increase attention, and improve mental health.
New this school year, all school districts in B.C. have new codes of conduct to restrict students' use of tablets and cell phones in the classroom. Read more about the provincial guidelines.
So far in the first month at Nanaimo Christian School the phone-free return to school has been smooth. Many students said conversations were happening at home this summer about the benefits of going phone-free during the day and what the new expectations would be at school. These home conversations have been a tremendous help during this transition.
High school teachers created a funny video (see link above) they shared in chapel about the phone-free guidelines. They also implemented some supports to help students adjust and find ways to connect with each other, including lunch clubs, cards games, art supplies and other activities for students to do together during their breaks. A student phone was also installed in the Building B office for student use.
The first week of school Grade 9/10 Bible class students were asked what they thought about this school year's "Look Up" theme and the new no-phone policy. They jotted their thoughts on sticky notes and put them on posters so everyone could see their candid responses.
Most of them didn't like the no-phone policy, but those same students also acknowledged that it will allow more face-to-face time and real relationships. At the beginning of September the boys in the class were very active and loud with lots of new energy needed to be streamed somewhere while the girls sat quietly staring. They all struggled with what to do with that "free" time and "free" energy.
By the end of the first month of school, teachers are noticing students getting used to the change and interacting with each other more. Students are also becoming more comfortable with silence and being still.
Last week in Grade 11/12 Bible class students have started a unit called “Undistracted” based on Bob Goff’s book. During the first class they were tasked with sitting outside without any instruction other than to be alone. Together as a class they discussed what was hard about it and why. A few days later they did it again for a longer period of time. Students expressed a more positive experience this time around because they worked harder at focusing on just “being” in the moment. Some rested, some journaled, some read the Bible and some were just silent.
The hope is that a phone-free school will help build community, increase attention, and improve mental health. So far, so good.
Need some help with device guidelines at home?
Here is a parent resource on helping our teens manage device use and become more resilient to stress. One highlight is that the author shares an example of their family’s tech guidelines, including device-free car rides and bedrooms, and encourages families to set up guidelines that work for them.
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