This year, Delbarton instituted a new smartphone policy that mandated the collection of the cell phones at the start of every class. Students could use laptops and tablets, but cell phone use in classrooms was banned. Students adapted to the new policy, teacher feedback was positive, yet we still observed phone/tech use continued to distract students at key times when human interaction was often replaced by devices. 

This year taught us the benefit of limiting phone use during class time, and on May 5, we took it one step further: Delbarton introduced a new Tech Pilot Program that subtracts cell phones, earbuds, airpods, video games, headphones and devices from daily school life. From May 5 until June 4, the end of the school year, all personal devices other than laptops and tablets will remain turned off and in backpacks from 8:00am-2:45pm each school day.  If a student is observed using an unauthorized device, the device will be deposited at the Reception Desk in Trinity Hall and picked up at the end of the day. Multiple infractions earn more serious consequences.

Parents were previously informed of the Tech Pilot Program via email, and administrators hosted a Virtual Town Hall Zoom call on April 14 to answer questions from our families. 

Why Now?

On June 29, 2007, Steve Jobs and Apple released the first iPhone.  In June, 2010 the iPhone 4 introduced the first front-facing camera, making it easier to take photos and videos of oneself and enabling a selfie-based social media ecosystem. Today, 50% of teens receive 237 notifications daily (Common Sense Media 2023), and 37% of students spend 5 or more hours a day on social media (American Psychological Association).  Eighteen years after the first iPhone appeared, we have learned some important lessons.

Research data and anecdotal evidence demonstrate a marked rise in reports of cognitive challenges in people of all ages, but especially in young people. Surrounded by distractions and instant gratification, students are finding it harder and harder to do the deep, focused work that leads to transformative intellectual progress. Gratifying social interactions are also impacted when people stop talking and spending time with each other.  So too, study after study has demonstrated a steep increase in anxiety and depression in teens around the world that at least partially has been traced to an overreliance on internet-connected personal devices.

Delbarton believes that we can do better, and, based on the response of our parents when we explained the new Tech Pilot Program in an April 9 email, our families overwhelmingly agree.

Studies show that removing access to phones can improve attention and, while others characterize this as the ‘Anxious Generation’, we have a very real opportunity to be a sanctuary for our students where they can grow and mature into the best versions of themselves. While still at Delbarton, they have an opportunity to develop new habits and discover that ‘down time’ can be bigger, richer, bolder than fleeting memes, emojis and likes.

Of course, cell phones and headphones undeniably remain excellent sources of knowledge and entertainment that (keeping it real) we all appreciate. But they can also promote disconnection and isolation, especially when used in a communal setting. What better way to signal a preference for aloneness than staring into a screen or wearing headphones? But just as cell phones can be distracting, so too can the chatter of other people. Libraries and quiet studies were designed for such moments and, fortunately, Delbarton offers a wide variety of peaceful options, especially in St. Benedict Hall, where students seeking a quiet place can study and think. As always, Delbarton remains sensitive to the unique needs of every student.

Limiting cell phone use is nothing new at Delbarton.

For the past six years, each morning, Delbarton middle schoolers have placed their cell phones in a pocket caddy in Middle School Director Mr. Rick Cimino’s office and picked them up when classes end for the day. Cell phone use is prohibited on Delbarton retreats, and post-retreat student surveys confirm that our students themselves appreciated the tech disconnect. In our recent Virtual Town Hall, Fr. Michael reported personally observing a lack of cell phone use in the Senior Commons where students choose options like playing pool, doing homework or just hanging out with friends.

Our Tech Pilot Program encourages students to engage in face-to-face interaction during free periods, lunch and homerooms and, even alone, being fully present to their surroundings. Emergencies occasionally occur, so if students need to use a mobile phone for time-sensitive communication, they may do so in the Guidance Center or the Main Office. In situations where parents need to contact their sons, students will be notified immediately by Main Office personnel. Additionally, any exceptions must be approved by Mr. Chuck Ruebling ’79 P ‘10, the Assistant Headmaster for Student Affairs. 

Survey Says…

After a two-week trial period, on May 20 we will survey students and faculty on the impact of this Tech Pilot Program and survey results will help us refine our Tech Program for the 2025-2026 school year.

If you have any questions about the Delbarton Tech Pilot Program, we encourage you to email Mr. Ruebling here.