StAC Unplugged

It is a heartening sight to see the front fields at St Andrew’s College awash with Year 9–11 students at lunchtimes – and not a mobile phone in sight.

The new StAC Unplugged initiative means that from 8.20am until 3.20pm each day, students in the Middle School cannot access their mobile phones. The idea was trialled at the end of 2019 and was so successful, the Middle School decided to implement it right throughout 2020, says Head of Middle School, Mikae Tuu’u. “We are seeing so many positives. The fields are full during lunchtimes, with lots of activities, students talking and laughing, balls flying all over the place, and meaningful conversations and interactions taking place.”

The Middle School already had a policy that devices couldn’t be used in the classroom unless directed by a teacher. StAC Unplugged has taken it one step further. “The idea stemmed from observing our students, and students from other schools, spending so much time on their devices. Research has shown a worsening trend in anxiety and depression in young people with the advent of Facebook and other social media. We are supporting our students’ well-being and mental health through the StAC Unplugged initiative, and believe disconnecting is also leading to greater engagement in the classroom, when students get outside and give their brains a proper rest at break times,” says Mikae.

Organised lunchtime activities are gradually being introduced, including a Sports Café, funded by the PTA, where students can access sports gear to use at lunchtime. “Lots of court activities are taking place, and our 24/7 youth workers regularly engage with a range of students during the breaks. For those students who simply want to hang out, that’s fine too.”

Mikae says staff and parents have wholeheartedly supported the initiative and while there has been some disagreement from students, the majority have adapted well. To combat student concerns around access to timetables, appointments and meetings, the Middle School has re-introduced a printed Middle School diary, which has the students’ timetables and other information inside. “The diary is a convenient size which slips inside the students’ blazer pockets. This is another way we have tried to reduce our reliance on technology,” says Mikae.

StAC Unplugged is in place until the end of the year, when it will be reviewed. “Doing nothing was the easy option, but it definitely wasn’t the best option. Student well-being is a priority, and we had a responsibility to act.”