Key Takeaways
- Camps Bay High School is implementing a phone-free policy from the start of the 2026 academic year.
- Pupils will be required to leave their phones at home or secure them in on-site lockers during the school day.
- The decision is driven by concerns around attention, interaction, and wellbeing, as well as the impact of phones on learning and social environments.
- The school aims to foster focus, connection, and healthier habits during the school day through this policy.
- Cellphone lockers are being installed on campus to facilitate the new policy.
Introduction to the Policy
A significant shift is on the horizon for learners at Camps Bay High School, where the use of cellphones during the school day will come to an end from the start of the 2026 academic year. From January 2026, pupils will be expected to either leave their phones at home or secure them in on-site lockers upon arrival, only retrieving them once the final bell rings. This decision places Camps Bay High among a growing number of schools rethinking the role of smartphones in education. The school’s leadership has confirmed that the change has been under discussion for some time, driven by daily classroom realities.
Reasons Behind the Decision
The decision to implement a phone-free policy is rooted in concerns around attention, interaction, and wellbeing. According to principal Louis Mostert, staff had increasingly raised concerns about the impact of phones on learning. Mostert explained that cellphone use had become harder to manage, with learners often distracted during lessons and withdrawn during breaks. He noted that learners frequently sat apart from one another during free periods, earphones in, absorbed in their screens rather than engaging face to face, a pattern staff felt was affecting the school’s social environment. The school aims to address these concerns by limiting access to phones during the school day.
Implementing the Policy
To implement the new policy, Camps Bay High is installing cellphone lockers on campus. The school has confirmed that this process is the first step toward becoming a phone-free school from the first bell to the last. The lockers will provide a secure place for pupils to store their phones during the school day, ensuring that they are not distracted by notifications or tempted to use their phones during lessons. The school has also emphasized that communication channels will remain open, with a reception available for parents to contact their children in case of an emergency.
Addressing Concerns
The school has acknowledged that some families may have concerns about the new policy. However, principal Louis Mostert has emphasized that the decision is not intended as a punishment, but rather as a proactive step to foster focus, connection, and healthier habits during the school day. He noted that if there’s an emergency at home, parents can contact the school’s reception to get hold of their child. The school is framing the move as a positive step towards creating a more engaged and interactive learning environment.
Conclusion
The implementation of a phone-free policy at Camps Bay High School is a significant step towards rethinking the role of smartphones in education. By limiting access to phones during the school day, the school aims to foster focus, connection, and healthier habits among its pupils. While some families may have concerns about the new policy, the school is committed to making it work and has taken steps to address potential issues. As the countdown to 2026 begins, Camps Bay High is poised to become a leader in phone-free education, and its experience will likely be closely watched by other schools considering similar policies.
