An Update on Our Upper School Phone Use Initiative
SEPTEMBER 2025
Dear Parents,
We are writing to you today with an important update regarding phone use during breaks in our upper school. This action is inspired by new recommendations from the Ministry of Education on device use in schools. At present, they remain recommendations, but it is possible that they will soon evolve into a law.
Our ongoing commitment is to foster the most supportive and enriching learning environment for all our students, and your insights on these recommendations are invaluable in achieving this.
Recently, we conducted a survey to gather your perspectives on this initiative, and we are grateful for the overwhelming participation, with 155 parents sharing their thoughts. This high level of engagement truly reflects our shared dedication to student well-being and academic success.
We found that a significant majority of parents, 85%, expressed support for eliminating phone use during breaks in the upper school. This strong endorsement resonates with a collective desire to encourage more in-person interaction and reduce screen time throughout the school day.
We also appreciate the perspectives of those who expressed reservations. We heard concerns about the importance of students learning to self-regulate, the convenience for parents to check in during lunch, and a preference for educational rather than punitive measures. Additionally, 11 parents of 11th and 12th graders felt that students are already busy enough with their studies and should not be distracted by phones.
Our teachers have also shared their thoughtful insights. They recognize the potential benefits of reduced screen time, noting that students in grades 6 and 7 often experience a sense of relief from not having their phones readily available. They also believe that minimizing phone use can help students develop healthier habits and allow for more focused engagement in the classroom, especially after breaks.
However, our teachers also voiced understandable concerns. They reflected on how new policies can sometimes inadvertently strain teacher-student relationships, and they anticipate that without phones, students might turn to other devices, like personal laptops, which some teachers view as an even greater distraction. They also raised the important question of what alternative, engaging activities we can offer students during break times. We acknowledge these challenges and appreciate this valuable feedback as we move forward.
Our current policy for 6th and 7th grade students, which requires phones and devices to remain in lockers throughout the school day, will continue. This policy has proven beneficial in fostering more direct interaction among our younger students.
After careful consideration of all feedback – from our supportive parent community and the thoughtful concerns of our teachers – we have made a decision. VIS will be moving to eliminate phone use during break times for students in grades 8 through 12. This decision is rooted in our ultimate goals: to support the wellbeing and academic success of our students by promoting stronger social skills and reducing dependence on devices.
Phones for students in grades 8-12 will remain in lockers during the school day. This is not intended to prevent a quick check for an urgent message from a parent, but rather to limit the tendency to scroll and engage with devices during break times.
We understand that this will be a transition, and we are committed to making it as smooth as possible. Staff will have phones available to them for emergency use and attendance. Crucially, this transition will be coupled with ongoing conversations with students about alternative ways to use their time during breaks, focusing on opportunities for connection, activity, and personal growth. We will actively engage students in exploring options that foster genuine interaction and support their overall development.
We deeply value your continued partnership as we work together to create the most beneficial and supportive learning environment for every student at VIS.
