Why Schools Need Coaching to Go (Personal) Device-Free
Picture this: You reach for your phone to check one thing, and suddenly, 30 minutes have vanished. You're deep in a scroll, and the original purpose is long forgotten. Sound too familiar? You're not alone. This isn't just absent-mindedness—it's by design. As Johann Hari points out in his latest book, today's apps are engineered to "steal our focus."
Now, consider this: If adults struggle with this digital tug-of-war, what about the developing brain of a thirteen-year-old? Our youth are growing up in a world where technology is as ubiquitous and potentially addictive as sugar. The stakes are high, and the risk of dependence isn’t limited to screens—it could extend to other concerning behaviours in the future.
So, the burning question is: What is your school doing about it?
Schools and districts all over the world are implementing device-free policies to foster enhanced learning and meaningful social interactions. But here's the catch – crafting a policy is only part of the equation; ensuring the policy is effectively implemented and wholeheartedly embraced is another challenge entirely.
The solution? It lies in a powerful, often misunderstood tool: coaching.
THE POWER OF A COACHING CULTURE
Implementing a device-free policy is more than just a rule change – it's a cultural shift. For new policies to thrive, they require an environment where the entire school community is equipped to adapt.
This is where a universal coaching model, like our Start With Heart model, becomes essential. For an environment to be device-free, educators and students need to feel empowered to have meaningful conversations. They need a clear structure for support, connection and empowerment. When young people are encouraged to ask thoughtful questions and educators feel empowered to help them focus on what matters most, there are fewer reasons to pick up a phone to check the latest trend on Tik Tok or Instagram.
Imagine a school where coaching is embedded into the culture, and meaningful connection and conversations are at the heart of everything. Over lunch, staff naturally coach one another on strategies to engage students during the first five minutes of class – a critical time when the absence of phones are most noticeable. In these discussions, they explore innovative ways to channel the energy previously spent on phones into interactive learning activities. Similarly, picture older students coaching younger peers through this significant transition by supporting them to adjust to the change. Students become ambassadors of a device-free learning culture, leading initiatives that explore what school looks like without any digital distractions. They are genuinely curious and open-minded to possibilities.
Phones create silos. Coaching fosters collaboration. By enhancing your community's ability to connect with one another, the shift away from constant device use becomes much smoother. The journey to a device-free school is about more than just removing devices; it's rediscovering the connections we gain in their absence.
Picture this: You reach for your phone to check one thing, and suddenly, 30 minutes have vanished. You're deep in a scroll, and the original purpose is long forgotten. Sound too familiar? You're not alone. This isn't just absent-mindedness—it's by design. As Johann Hari points out in his latest book, today's apps are engineered to "steal our focus."
Now, consider this: If adults struggle with this digital tug-of-war, what about the developing brain of a thirteen-year-old? Our youth are growing up in a world where technology is as ubiquitous and potentially addictive as sugar. The stakes are high, and the risk of dependence isn’t limited to screens—it could extend to other concerning behaviours in the future.
So, the burning question is: What is your school doing about it?
Schools and districts all over the world are implementing device-free policies to foster enhanced learning and meaningful social interactions. But here's the catch – crafting a policy is only part of the equation; ensuring the policy is effectively implemented and wholeheartedly embraced is another challenge entirely.
The solution? It lies in a powerful, often misunderstood tool: coaching.
BUILDING A COACHING CULTURE
A school-wide coaching culture forms the foundation for successfully implementing device-free policies, or, we could argue, for any new initiative. It promotes open communication, continuous improvement and a growth mindset—essential elements for adapting to significant changes.
This culture extends beyond the school gates. Engaging parents and the local community through workshops and regular communication helps reinforce device-free practices at home and in public spaces, creating a cohesive approach. Schools might organise digital detox events where families learn together about the benefits of reduced screen time and practice alternative activities.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Resistance is natural when implementing such a significant shift. Some students, parents or staff may struggle with the idea of disconnecting. Coaching conversations play a crucial role here, helping individuals recognise the benefits of being device-free and developing new habits for time management and social interaction.
One effective coaching technique is to help people identify their personal value that most deeply connects to being away from their phone. For students, this might highlight their values of focus or sleep or friendship. For teachers, it might connect to the values that initially brought them to education.
The Roadmap to Mindfulness and Connection
As we navigate this transition, it's important to remember the ultimate goal: creating an environment that fosters mindfulness, deep learning and genuine human connection. By leveraging the infinite power of coaching conversations, schools can not only successfully implement device-free policies but also equip their communities with valuable life skills.
Through coaching, we can help our school communities rediscover the joy of undistracted learning, the depth of face-to-face conversations and the creativity that flourishes in moments of quiet reflection.
Rules are important, of course. We need policies. And, when we embrace this coaching-led approach we're nurturing a generation equipped to mindfully engage with each other and the world around them. In doing so, we're paving the way for a future where technology serves us, rather than the other way around.
Graydin is launching a supportive community of educators who are going device-free. Join us!