Presence over Pixels: New Screen and Device Policy to Foster Focus and Connection

Overwhelming research traces a host of negative effects from social media, smart phones and screen time in general. And these effects are magnified for children during their critical years of development. So in keeping with Montessori and school community values, and as science-based educators, MST has rolled out the MST Screen and Digital Device Policy. 

Smartphone Restrictions for Smarter Children

The policy offers guidance on the management of screen time for children at home, as well as introduces restrictions on the use of digital devices for our students. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, “MST students will not be allowed to bring smartphones to school and MST parents will agree not to provide their child with a smartphone until they have completed the Middle School programme.” The upcoming school year, 2025-2026, will be a transitional one and smartphones will be required to be made “basic”. 

Observers of smartphone bans have noticed that removing digital distractions fosters deeper learning, encourages face-to-face communication, and helps students stay present in the classroom and with peers. Educators report more attentive classrooms, calmer lunch hours, and even improvements in student empathy and social behavior. 

A Global Movement

Though MST would be at the vanguard of such a policy in Japan, around the world, more and more governments and schools are taking action to limit the use of digital devices during the school day in order to support students’ learning, social development, and well-being. One notable example is Finland, where a new national policy will come into effect this August. It gives schools the authority to ban mobile phones during lessons and even throughout the entire school day if deemed necessary. The decision comes in response to growing concern over distraction, reduced attention spans, and the impact of excessive screen time on young people’s mental health.

Similar policies have already been implemented in countries like South Korea, Brazil, New Zealand, France, Italy, and the Netherlands. Countries like Germany, Mexico and China have regional or limited bans. In the United States, the ban of cellphones in schools has spanned across political divides to include states like California and Florida, 22 states in all so far.

Sixty countries have some smartphone restrictions in schools. In France, for instance, phones have been banned in schools since 2018 for students under the age of 15. These efforts reflect a growing recognition that while digital tools have their place in education, boundaries are needed to foster meaningful engagement, deeper learning, and real-world interaction.

At MST, our upcoming ban on smartphones for students is part of this larger global initiative. Limiting device use will encourage students to be more present, connect more fully with peers and teachers, and participate more actively in hands-on, inquiry-based learning. Our goal is not to reject technology altogether, but to create an environment where it is used intentionally and with purpose. As a community, we will continue to support students in developing healthy, balanced relationships with the digital world, both in and out of the classroom.