Wellbeing Way

Smart Phones, Wiser Choices

Earlier this week, I joined three colleagues at the International Coalition of Girls' Schools Symposium in Melbourne - two days of honest conversation, shared research and the kind of collegial energy that reminds you why this work matters.

If there was one thread woven through almost every session, it was this: our girls thrive when they can be present in their classrooms, their friendships, their own skin. And right now, smartphones are making that harder than it's ever been.

We all know it, and the research confirms it

If you've ever had that nagging feeling that your daughter's phone is doing more harm than good, the research backs you up. Around 62% of teens aged 12–17 is exposed to harmful content through their devices, and roughly 30% receive unsolicited inappropriate material. Beyond what they're seeing, the links to anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and cyberbullying are well established. And recently, despite the best efforts of our Government, young people are still finding their way onto platforms we assume are blocked or restricted.

The session that stayed with me

One of the most impactful sessions I attended was led by Pymble Ladies' College, showcasing their 'Wise Phone' initiative - an innovative approach that reimagines students' relationship with technology.

The initiative is guided by five key SHIFT principles:

• Safety
• Health
• Impulse control
• Focus
• Time back

Crucially, the approach is gradual. Younger students begin with calls, texts, and safety features only. As they grow, features are added in stages, with full access only unlocked in Year 10 and beyond, by which point healthy habits are already established.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Pymble surveyed over 800 students to understand how the Wise Phone had changed their use of time, and the results are striking. When asked what they now spend more time on, students reported significant increases across almost every area of life that matters: hobbies (nearly 30%), time with friends and outdoors or sport (both around 27%), time with family and reading (both approximately 24%), and sleep (around 24%).

What this means for Mount Alvernia

While the Pymble model may not be something we adopt directly, our position at Mount Alvernia is clear: there is no place for smartphones during the school day.

So, as we begin Term 2, I want to remind our community that phones go in lockers when students arrive and stay there all day. This isn't about rules for the sake of rules; it's about giving our girls a genuine break from the pressure of being constantly available, constantly watched, constantly online.

One thing worth naming: we know our girls' text or email home during the day, especially when they're not feeling well or when there has been a rupture with friends. We completely understand the instinct, but if your daughter reaches out asking to go home, please gently redirect her to Student Services. That way, the right people - our nurse, Head of House, or fab counselling team, can step in, and everyone stays informed. She'll be well looked after, we promise.

Parents, you are our greatest allies. The habits our girls build now will shape them, and it genuinely makes a difference when we're all pulling in the same direction.