- London school extends day to 12 hours.
- Students unplug from phones, engage in activities.
- Program shows positive impact on behavior and homework completion.
Rise and shine, phone-free
All Saints Catholic College in London has introduced a groundbreaking 12-hour school day to combat smartphone addiction among teenagers.
The trial program, running from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., aims to rebuild students’ sense of belonging and engagement post-pandemic by offering extended learning opportunities, social activities, and smartphone-free interactions.
Homework help and pickleball
Students participating in the program enjoy breakfast and dinner at school, followed by a homework club and various activities such as pickleball, art classes, or cooking.
The extended day costs families a mere £10 ($13) per week, regardless of how many days their children attend.
Many students report feeling less stressed and more connected to their peers during these extended hours.
The initiative has yielded impressive outcomes, including a 17% decrease in incomplete homework and a 15% increase in positive behavior logs.
Students who previously had the most negative logs saw a 60% reduction in behavioral issues.
Despite challenges in scaling the program, All Saints plans to continue offering extended days periodically, addressing concerns about funding and student safety during winter months.
