It’s 2025, and let’s face it — we’re all glued to our screens.
With attention spans getting shorter and social media ruling daily life, staying focused in class feels harder than passing a pop quiz. So, some Dubai schools are taking action with a bold new policy: locking away phones during the school day to help students actually tune in — not scroll out.
Where it’s happening
At Emirates International School – Jumeirah, high school students now hand in their phones at the start of the day and collect them only once classes are over. That means no mid-day scrolling, no TikTok breaks — just a full day of distraction-free learning.
Highly recommended.
View this post on Instagram
Why they’re doing it
This move is backed by global research showing that cutting down phone use can:
- Boost student mental health
- Promote real-life connections
- Enhance academic focus
As the school puts it, “We’re not banning technology — just creating space for healthier habits.”
On the plus side…
- Students are locking in on their lessons
- Social media and game distractions? Gone
- Real face-to-face chats are making a comeback
On the flip side…
- Access to helpful educational apps is limited
- Some students feel cut off from family during the day
- Emergencies can be tricky to handle without phone access
What people are saying
When Lovin Dubai asked on WhatsApp whether phones should be locked away at school, the majority were on board — saying it helps students stay focused and in the moment. But the conversation isn’t over yet: is this a game-changer for better habits, or are we going too far?
