Recent news about a social media ban for teens under the age of 16 in Australia has sparked a debate about the usage of personal devices across the globe and what implications such restrictions might have on personal freedom.
This debate is not being had at Diocese of Venice Catholic schools simply because cell phones and personal electronic devices are banned. While many students do have school-issued tablets, they are strictly regulated.
This cell phone ban went into effect at all 15 Diocesan Catholic schools at the beginning of the 2025-2026 Academic Year and has had a major impact on the schools’ more than 6,500 students. Pilot programs started at a few schools a year earlier. The feedback on the new policy has been overwhelmingly positive.
“The goal of this policy is to create an environment where both students and faculty can focus on education, interact with their peers, and engage in school activities without distractions caused by personal devices,” stated Father John Belmonte, SJ, Diocese of Venice Superintendent of Catholic Education. “We have appreciated the cooperation of parents and students in ensuring a positive and productive school experience for all – it’s working!”
The new policy was created under the direction of Bishop Frank J. Dewane to unify all 15 schools, which were operating under different guidelines for electronic devices, Father Belmonte said. Now implemented, the policy is consistent and enforceable and addresses the use of non-school issued electronic devices, which had become an ever-present distraction to learning, and a drain on teacher motivation, leading to lower retention and decreased engagement.
National education studies revealed that it takes students 20 minutes to regain focus after a nearby cell phone distraction, test scores dropped by 15 points when phones were nearby, and social media use of 3 hours doubles anxiety and depression risks among youth.
The policy applies to all students within the Diocese who bring mobile devices (including, but not limited to, phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, and any other technology capable of communication or internet access) onto school premises, whether they are in classrooms, hallways, cafeterias, or other areas.
Students who bring mobile phones or wearable devices must store these devices in a Diocesan-approved lockable storage pouch. Bags are locked at the beginning of each school day, and students keep the bag in their possession, whether in a backpack or locker. At the end of the school day, students will pass the bag across the unlocking mechanism to gain access to their phone or other wearable devices.
There are exceptions, such as in the case of special permission granted by school administration (e.g., for medical reasons or specific school activities). In these cases, students must provide the device to the principal’s office at the start of the day and follow guidelines for its use. Students involved in extracurricular activities or after-school programs may use their devices only once they are off school grounds and away from the school premises.
“Of the four schools where the pilot program began, only two of the storage pouches were damaged, four policy violations were reported and zero parent issues or complaints,” Father Belmonte said.
Amy Barron, Principal at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Port Charlotte, implemented one of the pilot programs for the YONDR system. YONDR is the company that created a patented pouch and unlocking base that provides a standardized system for all students.
Students arrive at St. Charles Borromeo and pick up their case in homeroom and lock their phone in, Barron explained. At the end of the day, as they are dismissed, they unlock their phones and return the case to their homeroom teacher.
“We are happy to see our students more engaged in their studies and developing more positive social relationships with each other,” Barron said. “While we can’t control what happens outside of our school, banning cell phones in the school limits distractions and allows us to more fully accomplish our mission of bringing our students closer to God and to see the good and beauty in all of His creation and in each other. It is hard for them to see God’s beauty all around them when their eyes are glued to their phones.”
Bishop Verot Catholic High School in Fort Myers was another school to implement the pilot program. When asked, students took to the policy very well: “I think it’s easier to stay focused.” “I honestly thought it would be miserable. but it really isn’t that bad.” “I had the opportunity to talk and meet some new people I never really would have talked to.”
Suzie O’Grady, Principal at Bishop Verot, said there was a little resistance among students at first, “but the staff was ecstatic that we eliminated the distraction of phones in the classroom… Student behavior has definitely shifted as a result with fewer issues related to students using their phones during class time or posting things from inside school on social media. We’ve also noticed much more interaction with their peers.”
O’Grady noted that during lunch after the ban was implemented a group of students were playing the card game UNO – something that hasn’t been seen in years. “The cafeteria is livelier, with students engaging in conversation rather than tied to their phones.”
Parent concerns have mostly revolved around what if an emergency happens on campus. Father Belmonte said if there is a school emergency, the students will follow the emergency protocols based on the nature of the emergency.
“Once the students are secure in a safe location, administrators/teachers will have a handheld unlocking device and will unlock pouches so students can contact parents,” Father said. “Additionally, as defined by emergency protocols, administrators/teachers will provide updates to families as available.”
To learn more about Diocese of Venice Catholic schools, please visit https://dioceseofvenice.org/offices/offices-departments/catholicschools/.
