In September 2023, the school made a bold call to limit mobile phone use during the school day, not through a strict ban, but by reshaping how technology fits into learning. Nearly two years later, the results suggest that one school’s early move helped change the conversation.
At a time when concerns about adolescent screen time, attention spans and mental health are intensifying globally, St Martin’s, based in Johannesburg South, opted for a practical middle ground.
Instead of confiscating devices, the school created a phone-free learning environment built on trust, responsibility and balance, an approach that is now gaining traction elsewhere.
“We recognised early on that the conversation around phones in schools wasn’t going away. Instead of waiting for a perfect solution, we chose to act… to put learning, wellbeing and human connection back at the centre of the school day,” said Headmaster, Warren Venter.
Students may bring phones to school, but their use is restricted during lessons, breaks, afternoon prep, and co-curricular activities.
Rather than relying on collection systems or locked pouches, pupils store devices in lockers, with consistent staff enforcement and clear expectations underpinning the policy.
The shift was immediate. Pupils began reconnecting face-to-face, spending more time on sports fields, playing informal games, and socialising without screens. Classrooms saw fewer distractions, and breaks became more social.
Importantly, technology wasn’t removed; it was redefined. School-managed iPads are used in lessons where appropriate, ensuring digital tools serve education rather than interrupt it.
Globally, the move towards limiting phone use in schools is gaining momentum. According to UNESCO’s 2023 Global Education Monitoring Report, one in four countries has now introduced policies restricting mobile phones in schools, citing improved focus and reduced classroom disruption.
Research from the London School of Economics has shown that banning phones in schools can improve academic performance by up to 6.4%, with the greatest gains seen among previously lower-performing students. At the same time, studies continue to link excessive screen time with increased anxiety, disrupted sleep and reduced social development in adolescents.
IOL
IOL Reporter
iol.co.za
