10/01/2026
Contributed by Communications Extern Jophy Xu ’28
When I joined EHS last year, our phone policy allowed us to use our phones between classes and after lunch, while requiring them to be put away during classes, meals, and community gatherings. Having the freedom to use our own devices was great, but it was harder to stay connected to our community when we were each absorbed in our own digital worlds. Our 2026-27 school year started with a new policy, stating “cell phones and headphones/earbuds must not be seen or heard during academic days (from a.m. departure from dorm until 3:15 p.m.) or during all-school evening programming.”
As we adjust to the new expectations of the phone policy, I have observed more eye contact and more conversations among students while walking to class and in the dining hall. In addition to the desired effects, Mr. Spears, assistant head for student life, noticed with pleasant surprise that “students turn in their phones immediately and respectfully when phones are seen and need to be confiscated.” I am grateful that our community understands the reasoning behind the policy and takes responsibility for following it.
For students, current concerns about the new policy include checking the time, meeting with friends after class, and staying updated on school events. Our school is actively addressing concerns by displaying the time and schedules on video screens around campus and updating school events on Google Calendar. At the same time, the policy requires more awareness on our part to plan for our day and communicate with peers in advance.
An ideal tech policy may look different across schools. Other boarding schools have adopted a wide range of policies, from collecting all devices overnight to having cell-free days on the weekends. Mr. Spears emphasized that Episcopal’s policy can evolve as we adjust to it. “If we find ways to better serve our community, we will make changes,” he said. For me, the current policy encourages me to be more intentional about how I use my devices. It helps me distinguish between using my phone intentionally for entertainment and reaching for it out of habit, which helps me balance schoolwork and life.
When I talk to my friends back in Shanghai, I continue to find my time on The Holy Hill special. The experience of sharing so much of our lives in a community where learning and living intersect is difficult to replicate elsewhere. I feel grateful that our school continues to think about how we can make the most of the time we spend together, as reflected in changes to the cell phone policy.
