Dominican school demonstrates classrooms are better without cell phones

In September 2019, students at The Community for Learning (TCFL) in the Dominican Republic began a new policy requiring them to secure their mobile phones in numbered, magnetic-locking fabric pouches upon arrival at school. Students were required to keep these locked devices in their possession throughout the remainder of the school day.

The initiative was implemented to demonstrate the impact of a phone-free environment on the classroom experience. The program aimed to evaluate whether removing digital distractions leads to improved educational outcomes and a more focused learning atmosphere for the student body.