LEARNING Photo credit: Stuff
Students enjoying freedom of ‘no devices’ policy Despite initial apprehension, Junior High students at Diocesan School are now enjoying the freedom of the School’s ‘no devices ‘policy. With no cellphones during school hours, laptop use only when directed by the teacher and no earphones while on school grounds, the new policy has freed up the students to build and maintain stronger friendships and connections – and it’s turning out to be a win-win for all involved. Diocesan implemented the policy for its Year 7 to 10 students earlier this year, with the aim of encouraging them to get the most out of their time in school academically and socially, and to try to alleviate some of the distraction and anxiety that social media use can cause. Year 7 Dean and languages teacher Neil Cheetham said: “The students have been ‘given permission’ to act their age and enjoy their lunchtimes without obsessing over chats, internet content and social media posts. Instead, devices are merely being used for educational purposes and as an appropriate tool to enhance their learning.” Research has shown that kids with cellphones are more likely to get bullied
or be the bullies1. “So far this year, there has been a distinct lack of issues to do with inappropriate online behaviour while the girls are at school,” says Neil. “And with latest reports linking headphone and smartphone use to hearing loss, our ‘no devices’ policy is also benefitting longterm student health2.” Year 10 student Holly Mulligan says she was happy when she heard about the new policy. “I felt it would stop a lot of exclusion between us. When girls are on their laptops or phones it tends to separate the groups and people get ignored. I feel there is more positivity and more things to laugh and joke about as we are more invested in our friendships.”
Year 7 student Madi Clark says the policy is actually helping students make and keep friendships at an important time in their school lives. “There’s a time and a place for devices. Year 7 is our first year of Junior High School and there are a lot of new girls. It’s a good time to make friends and that’s not so easy if you’ve got your head down in your device.” Neil says teachers have enjoyed seeing the students playing together at breaks, and the policy has led to more impromptu and imaginative games. 1. https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=RzBpB7 MAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao 2. National Foundation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
No Devices Policy Diocesan’s Junior High School students do not have access to their cell phones between the hours of 8.30am and 3.30 pm. If students need to bring a phone to school, then it must be turned off and kept securely (ideally in lockers). Any non-urgent messages can be checked by students at the end of the day, and any emergency messages can be passed on through the School Office or through the Deans directly.
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