Tired of seeing its students with their eyes constantly riveted on their screens, an American boarding school decided to embark on a ” social experiment » : prohibit the smart phone to replace it with a Light Phone, a mobile without Internet that offers few features.
The leaders of the Buxton School, located in Massachusetts, made the decision after a student live-streamed a physical altercation, which became the main topic of discussion within the establishment. Before that, they were already tired of seeing their students spend their time on their smartphones to the detriment of their social life, a phenomenon that has greatly worsened after the pandemic.
More social and less isolated students
” We found that our students became increasingly disengaged from real life, with their phones becoming their world explains John Kalapos, the boarding school’s associate headteacher. Since September, he has therefore decided what he describes as ” social experiment » : prohibit the use of smartphones for both students and teachers. Instead, Light Phones, at $300 each, were given to participants.
If they are deprived of Internet, camera or applications, these mobiles allow to telephone and to send SMS. In addition, students are allowed to keep their laptop, connected watch or tablet under conditions, allowing them to access social networks. According to John Kalapos, the idea is not to completely cut teenagers off from the outside world, but to make it more difficult to access the Internet at all times.
Unsurprisingly, the students weren’t very excited about having to give up their smartphones when the announcement was made, the experiment having been underway since September. Their opinion has since changed. They are less isolated and benefit more from other activities. Yamalia Marks, 17, a final year student from Buxton, says parting with her smartphone has been very beneficial: “ I am much happier to be less present on social media. I think I have been much more self-aware. »
Social networks harmful to the mental health of young people
This experience goes hand in hand with several studies that show that social networks have a detrimental impact on the mental health of young people, a phenomenon aggravated by social networks and cyberbullying. They can thus cause several pathologies such as anxiety or eating disorders in some people.
It should be noted, however, that the Buxton boarding school was able to set up this experiment, as it only accommodates 57 students. The year within the establishment amounts, in addition, to some 60,000 dollars.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, Click
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