My School Banned Phones for the Year. Here's What Happened | High School Teacher Gilbert Schuerch | Screen Less Play More episode 12 episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 17, 2025 · 56 MIN

My School Banned Phones for the Year. Here's What Happened | High School Teacher Gilbert Schuerch | Screen Less Play More episode 12

from Screen Less Play More · host Screen Less Play More

Gilbert's viral Substack article caught Jonathan Haidt's attention. Haidt said on his own "After Babel" Substack, "Today, we're sharing one of the most compelling and entertaining essays we've read on what happens when a school goes phone-free. The essay is written by Gilbert Schuerch, a veteran high school teacher in Harlem, NYC. He is also the writer of the Substack, Fit To Teach, where he shares stories from inner city public education and muses on the nature of teaching." Gilbert has some hilarious, poignant, and important stories about how phones have affected the kids at his high school in Harlem, New York.  He shares them in a warm and wonderful way with "Screen Less Play More."  Gilbert says of his school's cell phone ban, "The results have been spectacular.  Teachers don't have to fight an impossible battle against tech. Students talk to each other between classes. The cafeteria has the sound of conversation. Teachers cover material faster. Cyberbullying has fallen. When a fight happens, half the school doesn't immediately run out of the classroom to watch. Mindless doomscrolling happens on their time, not school time. Boys can't watch porn in the bathroom (or the cafeteria). I don't have to fight an impossible war against the greatest human behavioral psychologists Silicon Valley has ever employed." Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak! Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn about guidelines, the role of a screen time parenting support coach, and fun activities to promote healthier habits. Embrace a balanced approach to technology and enhance your family's well-being.  Modern parents are constantly asking:  What are the recommended screen time limits for children by age?  How can I reduce my child's screen time effectively? How do I get my child off screens? Is social media safe for kids? What's the best parenting podcast? What are the negative effects of too much screen time on kids?  How do I encourage my child to engage in activities that don't involve screens?  What should I do if my child is addicted to screens?  Is snapchat safe for kids? Is Roblox safe for kids? What do I do about kids and technology? What are the benefits of play? How do you implement a school cell phone ban? How do you solve phones in high school?   How do I get my child off screens without a fight? What do kids learn through play? What is the best parenting podcast about screen time? In this podcast, Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, dives deep into the pressing topics of screen time and its impact on children and families. Join us as we explore the benefits of less screen time, including enhanced physical health, improved social skills, and boosted creativity. We'll discuss how much screen time is too much, sharing guidelines for different age groups and the signs to watch for when it's time to cut back.  You'll also learn practical strategies for reducing screen time with your family, from setting screen limits and creating screen-free zones to planning engaging activities and modeling healthy habits.  Tune in for insightful discussions, expert tips, and relatable experiences that will empower you to take charge of your family's screen time. Let's work together to foster a healthier, more connected family environment!  Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559041665093  What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/ Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/ Help! My child is addicted to screens https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/ Help! My kids are addicted to screens, now what? https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6tYVFH0D-4&t=2580s Is social media safe for kids? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PybOb60ak0E&t=618s https://screenlessplaymore.com/is-social-media-safe-for-kids/ What are the best parenting books about screen time? https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/ Why are kids addicted to screens? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBXOGzjQ9JE&t=742s https://screenlessplaymore.com/why-are-kids-so-addicted-to-screens-hint-its-by-design/ Is my child ready for a phone? https://screenlessplaymore.com/your-summer-survival-guide/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5N80zMPRFs&t=37s Why is play important for children: https://screenlessplaymore.com/why-is-play-important-for-children/ https://youtu.be/9iWaIyA5FmY?si=s4UG-0R1fY_OqdCv https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-do-kids-learn-when-they-play/ https://screenlessplaymore.com/online-safety-training-for-tweens-teens/ Thanks for listening!  

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My School Banned Phones for the Year. Here's What Happened | High School Teacher Gilbert Schuerch | Screen Less Play More episode 12

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