SFC Phone Free Schools

What is a "smartphone-free" school?

A smartphone-free school requires learners to securely lock away their personal electronic devices - including smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and gaming devices - making them inaccessible throughout the academic day. The school should also have a clear policy on managing earbuds, AirPods, and Bluetooth-connected headphones when they are needed for educational technology. Clear and appropriate consequences should be in place, and consistently enforced when the policy is violated.

Why go smartphone-free?

There are numerous benefits of a phone-free school, for both teachers and learners, including:

• Allowing learners to focus on academics and develop socially without the distraction and influence of phones, social media, and games.
• Improving concentration and engagement in learning.
• Strengthening interpersonal connections between teachers and learners, as well as among peers.
• Reducing bullying and other digital drama.
• Raising awareness among families about the impact of devices, social media, and gaming on youth development.

Why register as a smartphone-free school?

Signing your school up to be formally recognised as an SFC-SA Smartphone-Free School provides key benefits, such as:

• Helping parents and teachers understand the advantages of a smartphone-free academic day.
• Demonstrating your school's commitment to, and prioritisation of learners’ academic success, social-emotional growth, mental well-being, and safety.
• Recognising your school's efforts in giving learners a meaningful break from their smartphones.
• Inspiring other schools to follow your lead.