Phone-Free Classrooms: A Teacher’s Firsthand Report with Beth Pannenberg (#244)

In today’s episode, Melanie sits down with Beth, a high school teacher, to hear her firsthand experience with the new phone-free classroom policy this school year.

Beth shares the contrast between last year’s inconsistent approach—where teachers set their own phone rules, leading to confusion and frustration—and this year’s unified, zero-tolerance policy: no phones, headphones, smartwatches, or personal devices from bell to bell.

The results have been remarkable. Students are talking and connecting with each other, engaging more with their teachers, and showing up to class happier, less stressed, and better rested. Teachers are noticing fewer distractions, better focus, and improved productivity in class.

Of course, there are challenges to keep an eye on, like students attempting to sneak in earbuds or use smartwatches, and some adjusting to moments of boredom without their devices. But overall, the shift has been transformative—for both students and teachers.

This episode offers an inspiring look at what really happens when schools go phone-free.