Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode
Join Delaney Ruston, MD, a leading authority on parenting in the digital age and the filmmaker of the award-winning Screenagers movies, as she explores strategies for raising screen-wise and tech-balanced youth. Through interviews with researchers, thought leaders, and young people themselves, The Screenagers Podcast delivers the latest in science along with practical tips and important insights that parents will want to share with their kids and teens.
  1. All Episodes
  2. How One School’s Bold Move to Lock Away Phones Transformed Learning (encore)

How One School’s Bold Move to Lock Away Phones Transformed Learning (encore)

Aug 24, 2026

What happens when a high school struggling with smartphone distractions takes a bold step and starts locking away all devices, midway through the school year?

Even more unusual: the phones aren’t just put away; they’re locked up in classrooms for the entire day, except during lunch.

Dr. Delaney interviews Principal Deanna Albert to explore how implementing ‘Away for the Day’ policies transformed both learning and social interactions at Hardin High School.

Deanna shares the challenges and successes of making this shift, including how it improved student engagement, reduced distractions, and curbed social media-related issues.

 

Featured Expert

Principal Deanna Albert

 

Additional Resources:

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community

 

Additional Links

Awayfortheday.org

 

Time Code

00:00 Introduction

00:15 About Screenagers & Away For The Day

01:04 Campaign Success and Challenges

01:38 Issues with Phone Policies in Schools

02:29 Interview with Principal Deanna Albert

04:42 Implementing the New Phone Policy

08:43 Positive Outcomes and Challenges

11:23 Community and Legal Implications

15:14 Final Thoughts and Resources