On July 23, 2025, every member of the MBS Upper School community received the same announcement via email. “For the 2025-2026 school year, students are no longer permitted to use their phones during the school day.”

After months of surveys and discussions, the MBS administration decided to implement a phone ban, requiring students to keep their devices in advisory. The goal? To cut down on distractions and foster stronger in-person connections among students.

This policy was created after concerns about social media and phone usage. According to survey results, many students admitted that phones distracted them from schoolwork and made it harder to form meaningful connections with peers. By removing phones, the administration hopes that students will become more engaged, both academically and socially.

In many ways, this new rule has been surprisingly positive for the MBS community. I’ll admit-I can get obsessed with my phone. I can easily get distracted by Snapchat or Instagram when I have a free moment, and admittedly, I would occasionally find myself walking around the school hallways with my eyes glued to my phone. With this new rule, I am definitely more aware of my surroundings in the hallways, and I am no longer looking down at my phone during my walks from class to class.

Of course, the new rule is not without its challenges. Teachers appreciate the reduced distractions, but some express frustration at the interruptions that occur when students with early dismissals interrupt class to retrieve their phones. Many students also find it inconvenient to trek across campus at the end of the day just to retrieve their devices. Without phones, staying aware of special schedule changes, or even knowing the time can be tricky.

Still, although most of us were reluctant to hand over our phones at first, the phone-free policy has proven to benefit the MBS community. While giving up our phones has not been easy, the change has encouraged more genuine interactions and engagement with others.