St Mary’s School Waverley introduces no cellphone policy during school hours (Sowetan Live, January 2025)

St Mary’s School Waverley has sparked conversations across social media after a letter was sent to senior school parents and guardians about introducing a no cellphone policy. The school said the decision aims to address growing concerns about the impact of technology on adolescent development.

“As we continue to prioritise the wellbeing of our girls, I would like to inform you of an important change that will be implemented from the beginning of the 2025 academic year.”

St Mary’s said the shift to a cellphone-free campus during academic hours comes after careful deliberation and is rooted in the school’s commitment to fostering a healthy environment for students. While the school’s decision has been welcomed by many, it has also sparked debate within the community and across social media platforms. The decision comes after the results of the Challenge Success survey conducted earlier in the year with pupils from grade 4 to grade 12. 

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