Screen-free school: the New Eton College model

Since 2020, New Eton College has had a no cell phone policy. This choice, based on collaboration and collective commitment, has transformed school life and strengthened student concentration.

The Minister of Education, Dr Mahend Gungapersad has announced that the use of mobile phones in schools will soon be regulated. “There will soon be a law on cell phone control at school,” he said. Students may use it only for educational or medical reasons.

To carry out this project, the minister says he is counting on the support of primary and secondary school principals, as well as parents. Several private schools already ban cell phones on their premises.

At a time when cell phones play an important role among young people, establishing a screen-free school seemed a challenge. Yet New Eton College has shown that with perseverance and community support, it is possible. The goal was not just to ban devices, but to create an environment that promotes concentration, social interactions and personal development.

Six years later, this policy has become school culture. As soon as they arrive, students turn off their cell phones and put them away. In the classroom, teachers observe better attention, increased participation and increased engagement.

Success does not rely on punishment. From the start, the school understood the need to offer recreational activities. With the support of the PTA, students play dominoes, table tennis, carrom, pétanque, volleyball and basketball. These hobbies develop team spirit and strengthen social bonds.

The renovation of the basketball court, equipped with a synthetic covering and protective nets, made it possible to also play football. This space has become one of the busiest, making school life more pleasant and fulfilling.

Success depends on management, teachers, parents, students and even prefects, who now assume responsibilities. Initial reluctance gave way to general support. Activities strengthen well-being and reduce absenteeism. Parents are encouraged to extend the effort at home, by offering alternatives such as reading, music, the arts or board games.

We also want to encourage parents to continue this effort at home. Phones and digital tools have their uses, but it is just as important to encourage young people to discover other interests. Sports activities, board games, reading, music, the arts and even family activities provide opportunities for learning and development. When offered these opportunities, children often discover new passions and develop a more balanced relationship with screens.