Monmouth County Prep School Bans Phones/Laptops During Lunch

LINCROFT, NJ — At a time when many parents are concerned about screen time and how much access their children have to the Internet, a Monmouth County boys' private high school is taking an unusual step: Banning cell phones and laptops during lunchtime.

"More and more research has been coming out about reducing screen time for adolescents," said Ross Fales, principal of Christian Brothers Academy, located in Lincroft. "That, combined with a grassroots movement from our faculty who were worried about the unproductive use of computers in the cafeteria, led us to create a new device-free zone."

Like many high schools, CBA students were never allowed to have cell phones during class. But before this, they could bring their laptops or tablets into the cafeteria at lunchtime, to catch up on school work, play video games, watch YouTube or surf the web.

However, CBA teachers became concerned when they noticed a sharp reduction in interpersonal interactions between students in the cafeteria. The teachers talked to the administration and in September, the cafeteria became "device free" for the entire school day, from before school while breakfast is being served and during all six allotted lunch periods. Students can work on their computers in the library only; cell phones must be kept turned off inside their lockers all day long, from first bell to dismissal.

"What I have noticed, and also have heard positively from students themselves, is that it's like these guys are back in elementary school now, just chatting with their buddies. When you walk in the cafeteria now, it is totally engaging, rather than looking like a Starbucks where everyone is buried in their laptop," said Dean of Students Matt Meehan.

CBA is unique for banning cell phones, tablets and laptops during lunchtime. Nearby public schools such as Holmdel High School and Middletown both allow students to have cell phone and tablet access at lunch. Like CBA, St. John Vianney High School, a co-ed Catholic high school in Holmdel, students are not allowed to have their cell phones at all during the day. They must be kept in lockers until final dismissal.

CBA students admitted the policy was tough to adapt to at first — but now they like it.

"I definitely found myself having enjoyable conversations with my friends and not staring at a screen during my lunch period. This device-free zone has started to grow on us," said junior Aedan Moran.

"On a typical school day last year, everyone would eat their lunch and then go onto their computers to play games or listen to music," admitted sophomore Blake Jaronko. "In our generation, technology is a major component of our lives, but this year, it's clear that more time is spent interacting with friends while in the cafeteria."

"It's very much like we have come full circle," principal Fales said. "There was such a push over the past decade or so to get more technology into schools. Now, we are recognizing the moderation that the students need with these devices. Our cafeteria now hearkens back to the old days."

Photo credit: Christian Brothers Academy students during lunch. Larry Levanti/CBA