Smartphones are increasingly shaping the school day — often in ways that affect concentration, engagement and student interaction. At École Jeannine Manuel, an internationally recognised bilingual school with campuses in Paris and Lille, teachers began to notice the growing impact of phone use on learning.
Known for its innovative approach to education and commitment to developing globally minded students, the school places strong importance on focus, collaboration and community. But like many schools worldwide, staff were seeing how smartphones were starting to disrupt lessons and break students’ attention.
“Amongst the students there’s a sense of more calm.”
— Peter Cogavin, Assistant Head
Classroom Disruption and Disconnection
Teachers observed that students were frequently tempted to check messages, social media and games during the school day. Even brief interactions with phones were enough to interrupt concentration and make it harder for students to remain engaged in lessons.
Beyond the classroom, phones were also affecting how students interacted socially. Break times increasingly involved screens rather than conversation or play, reducing opportunities for real-world connection.
These observations reflect wider trends in education research. Studies involving school leaders have found that:
- 73% report negative effects on students’ attention spans
- 72% say smartphone use harms mental health
- 53% link phone use to declining academic performance
Other research shows mobile distractions can contribute to lower exam performance and reduce face-to-face social interaction among students.
For a school that values collaboration and community, addressing this issue became a priority.
Introducing a Phone-Free School Day
To restore focus and reduce distractions, the school introduced Phone Locker™ lockable pouches.
The system is simple:
- Students place their phones into a pouch at the start of the day
- The pouch is securely locked
- Phones remain with students but cannot be accessed until the end of the school day
This approach prevents phone use during lessons while ensuring students still keep possession of their devices — an important reassurance for both students and parents.
As Roz Unwin, Coordinator of English, explained:
“The implementation was straightforward.”
Focus and Connection Restored
Since introducing the system, teachers have reported a noticeable shift in the classroom environment. Lessons are calmer, and students are more attentive and present during learning activities.
Staff have also observed positive changes outside the classroom.
Break times have transformed into more social spaces where students:
- Talk with friends
- Play together
- Engage more naturally with peers
Instead of retreating into their screens, students are reconnecting with one another.
Phone Locker™ pouches have become a practical tool that supports both academic focus and student wellbeing across the school community.
A Simple System with Meaningful Impact
For École Jeannine Manuel, the goal wasn’t just to reduce disruption — it was to protect the learning environment and strengthen the sense of community within the school.
By introducing a structured, phone-free approach, the school has helped students stay engaged in lessons while encouraging more meaningful social interaction throughout the day.
Considering a Phone-Free Approach in Your School?
Schools around the world are exploring ways to reduce digital distractions while supporting student wellbeing and academic success.
If your school is considering introducing a phone-free school day, Phone Locker® can help you implement a simple, secure system that works for your environment — from pilot programmes through to full school rollouts.
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