Once upon a time, phones were a dream of the future. Now, they’re practically an extension of our hands. We scroll mindlessly, check notifications like clockwork, and feel lost if we can’t use our phones for an hour—let alone go a whole day without them.
Welcome to the era of the screenager. And while technology can be amazing, the constant connection is starting to take a real toll, especially on students.
According to research shared by the Away for the Day website, students at schools that banned phones saw test scores rise by 6.4%. That’s a large boost from simply saying bye to cellphones for seven hours.
But academics are only half the battle. The emotional cost is even more alarming: teens who spend three or more hours a day on social media are twice as likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
At Morris Hills, English teacher Ms. Petrosino saw the effects firsthand. She decided, along with Mr. Melvin and the Student Wellness Committee, that it was time for a change—something bold, something different. After teaming up with Mr. Melvin, head of the Student Wellness Committee, she helped launch our school’s very first Away for the Day on April 2.
While just about 50 students participated, what they did was powerful. It’s safe to say that they made a statement. In a building full of buzzing phones and social media noise, these students were present. No TikToks or texts. Just real conversations, clearer focus, and for many—surprisingly—less stress.
Some students realized just how deeply their phones had taken hold of their day-to-day lives. Others found the break refreshing. But all of them became leaders, showing that it is possible to step away from the phones, and still be connected to each other, to class, and to the world around them.
Away for the Day wasn’t just a break from phones. It was a step toward freedom.
The hope? That this was just the beginning. The hope that more students will take the leap next time. Because the truth is, the more time we spend looking up instead of down, the more we start to see opportunities, friendships, and even a little peace of mind.
So next time the challenge comes around, ask yourself: what could you gain from putting your phone away for a day?