Do not disturb: A review of removing cell phones from New Zealand’s classrooms
About this resource:
To support greater student engagement and achievement, from the beginning of Term 2, 2024, school boards and kura were required to ensure that students do not use cell phones during the school day. This report reviews the implementation of the ‘Phones Away for the Day’ policy and assesses its impact. The findings are encouraging – removing cell phones has led to increased focus, improved academic outcomes, and a reduction in bullying. This report outlines the reasons behind these results and highlights further opportunities for strengthening the policy’s impact.
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Summary
To support greater student engagement and achievement, from the beginning of Term 2, 2024, school boards and kura were required to ensure that students do not use cell phones during the school day. This report reviews the implementation of the âPhones Away for the Dayâ policy and assesses its impact. The findings are encouraging â removing cell phones has led to increased focus, improved academic outcomes, and a reduction in bullying. This report outlines the reasons behind these results and highlights further opportunities for strengthening the policyâs impact.