By Clarkie Ackerly and Stella Williams

Rumors have been circulating throughout the Upper School about the potential creation of a stronger no-phone policy for the future, and we are here to address many of the questions. In a brief interview with Upper School Head Patrick Loach, we discussed his thoughts on the matter and possible scenarios for the future. 

The core of the current Upper School phone policy is the Community Chest in the front hall. Photo credit: Stella Williams.

Loach wanted to clarify he does “not know exactly what it will look like,” but he is looking to ameliorate the problem of students constantly being on their phones. Loach recognizes that he cannot “solve the problem,” but he is looking to improve the mental health and community of the students at Collegiate. 

In talking and observing the phone policies of other schools, Loach has heard that “the removal of phones has been transformative” and “no school that has implemented similar policies has regretted it.” Other Virginia private schools, such as Woodberry Forest, have moved to a no-phone policy during school hours, and it has proved to be a great success. Not only has Loach heard from other schools, but he has also done his own research on the topic.

In researching, he found that the buzzing of phones distracts students from their work, and they have difficulties returning to their studies after viewing or hearing a notification. A new phone policy has the potential to better students’ academic success. 

Loach is not trying to make his students suffer or control them. He believes implementing this policy will only better the livelihood of Collegiate students while at school, allow them to become comfortable being “alone with their own thoughts,” and allow for more “face-to-face conversations with their peers.” 

To answer the phone policy rumors generally, Loach says, “It’s not if, but when and how.”