Auckland's Diocesan School for Girls bans cellphones - and the students are happy

Diocesan School for Girls in Epsom, Auckland, has banned cellphones for its junior students. Photo / File

Keeping phones away from teenagers might seem a tough task, but an Auckland school has taken the plunge, and the students are happier for it.

Auckland's Diocesan School for Girls implemented a policy for its year 7 to 10 students this year of no cellphones during school hours, laptop use only when directed by the teacher and no earphones on school grounds.

The private school based in Epsom brought in the policy to encourage more social interactions and to try to alleviate some of the distraction and anxiety that social media use could cause.

Year 10 student Holly Mulligan said she felt the policy would stop a lot of exclusion between students.

"When girls are on their laptops or phones it tends to separate the groups and people get ignored.

"I feel there is more positivity and more things to laugh and joke about as we are more invested in our friendships."

Year 7 student Madi Clark said it was helping students make and keep friendships in their first year of junior high school.

"There are a lot of new girls. It's a good time to make friends and that's not so easy if you've got your head down in your device."

Year 7 Dean and languages teacher Neil Cheetham said instead of "obsessing over chats, internet content and social media posts", devices were merely being used for educational purposes and as an appropriate tool to enhance their learning.

Teachers had enjoyed seeing the students playing together at breaks, and the policy had led to more impromptu and imaginative games.

Research showed children with cellphones were more likely to get bullied or be the bullies, Cheetham said.

"So far this year there has been a distinct lack of issues to do with inappropriate online behaviour while the girls are at school.

"And with latest reports linking headphone and smartphone use to hearing loss, our 'no devices' policy is also benefiting long term student health."

Diocesan School for Girls joins others around the country that have made moves to lessen exposure to mobile devices during school hours.

St Joseph's Māori Girls' College in Napier hit the top 10 for University Entrance in 2018, and put its success down to a strict regime, including a cellphone ban.

Several Rotorua schools also introduced bans on cellphones, with principals and students also reporting increased productivity and better social interactions.