Since the beginning of the 2025 academic year, 瑞士尚贝缇国际学校 has implemented a comprehensive phone-free policy across all levels, from preschool through Year 14. This decisive move establishes a learning environment intentionally designed to minimize distractions and enhance the quality of interpersonal interactions. The policy is rooted in a commitment to fostering a positive and focused academic atmosphere where students can fully engage with their studies and with one another. The decision aligns with a growing global recognition of the cognitive and social challenges posed by constant digital interruptions. However, this ban on personal smartphones is not a rejection of technology's role in modern education. Instead, the school champions a progressive and thoughtful approach. As noted by UNESCO in its analysis on worldwide smartphone bans, students must learn to navigate the risks and opportunities of technology rather than being entirely shielded from it. In line with this philosophy, 瑞士尚贝缇国际学校 carefully introduces students to technology as a structured learning tool. The school's IT policies, including guidelines for using iPads and laptop computers, are clearly outlined in its Family Digital Center, ensuring that technology integration is purposeful, educational, and age-appropriate. This balanced strategy ensures students develop essential digital literacy without the detrimental effects of unfettered smartphone access during the school day.
The rationale for a phone-free campus is strongly supported by data on how smartphone use affects young people. According to the non-profit Common Sense Media, the average teenager checks their phone more than 100 times daily, with over two-thirds admitting they find it difficult to stop. This constant connectivity creates a significant burden on students' cognitive load, leading to disrupted concentration, poor sleep patterns, and elevated stress levels. Furthermore, the pervasive use of social media has been linked to increased risks of cyberbullying and other threats to the mental health of children and adolescents. The benefits of removing this distraction are becoming increasingly evident. UNESCO reports that over 40% of national education systems have now enacted phone bans to bolster student learning. Empirical studies corroborate this trend; research involving 91 schools in England demonstrated consistent improvements in test scores following the prohibition of phones, alongside a notable increase in face-to-face social interaction during breaks and a significant overall improvement in student behavior. A major 2025 randomised control study of nearly 17,000 students further confirmed that phone bans cultivate a more conducive learning environment. Notably, the study found that students themselves often become supportive of the policy after experiencing its positive effects firsthand. From sharpening concentration and encouraging prosocial behavior to enhancing overall wellbeing, the advantages are clear. The school is dedicated to helping its students build healthy, sustainable habits regarding technology use, preparing them for academic success and a balanced life.
