Joburg school launches 80-day smartphone abstinence challenge to boost mental health
This Mental Health Awareness Month, Holy Rosary School for Girls in Johannesburg has taken a bold step towards enhancing mental well-being and child development by launching an innovative 80-day smartphone abstinence challenge, aptly dubbed "80 Days: Phone Like It’s 1999."
Following the success of their earlier “Phone-Free 40 Days” challenge, the initiative encouraged students and staff to give up their smartphones, replacing them with basic feature phones, often called "dumbphones".
These devices only allow calls and texts, cutting off access to social media and apps like WhatsApp.
A return to simplicity
Holy Rosary’s principal Natalie Meerholz spearheaded the challenge and also gave up her own smartphone. She explained how the initiative was designed to help students disconnect from the digital world and rediscover more meaningful, real-life experiences.
“We are exceptionally proud of everyone who took part,” Meerholz said. “Some students have now been without smartphones for 120 days, proving it’s possible to break free from the digital trap.”
The 80-day challenge was part of the school’s broader campaign, Smart Age for Smartphone, which seeks to delay smartphone ownership and reduce screen time among children.
The school saw impressive results, with 89% of participants completing the challenge. This included 38 pupils from Grades 4-7, 18 pupils from Grades 8-12, and one staff member.
Creating lasting change
Meerholz explained that the extended length of the challenge was key to reinforcing new, healthier habits.
“When our 40-day challenge ended, we knew we had to keep the momentum going,” she said.
“It takes time for new routines to stick. For a digital detox to have a lasting impact, it needs to be for an extended period.”
As a participant herself, Meerholz noticed significant changes in her own life. “Giving up my smartphone was challenging, but I feel more focused and less distracted,” she shared.
Students also reported positive outcomes. One Grade 10 student said she was able to sleep better and felt more present in her daily life.
While some admitted it was difficult to adjust, especially for older students, many found the experience beneficial. Some even recommended the challenge to others.
With less time spent on their phones, students found themselves with more free time than they were used to. In response, Holy Rosary organized monthly activities to encourage students to explore new interests.
The initiative also inspired a spirit of community service, with fundraising events integrated throughout the 80 days.
One of the standout activities was a massive crocheting event on July 27, which saw over 600 participants crocheting simultaneously. This event symbolised how the community was using their newfound time more creatively and meaningfully.
The addictive nature of technology
To wrap up the initiative, Brad Huddleston, author of Digital Cocaine, spoke to the school community about the dangers of excessive smartphone use. He compared the addictive nature of technology to drug use, explaining that it affects the brain in similar ways.
Huddleston highlighted the damaging effects of constant screen time, such as impaired cognitive function, difficulty focusing, and emotional regulation struggles.
Meerholz echoed these concerns, stating that social media is causing "social harm" and robbing children of real-life experiences.
She pointed to research showing that US teens spend an average of 8.5 hours a day on screens, equivalent to a full 40-hour workweek. “This level of overuse is changing how children think and physically reshaping their brains,” she explained.
Holy Rosary’s efforts are part of a growing global trend. Schools worldwide are taking steps to curb smartphone use.
In July, the prestigious Eton College in the UK announced it would issue basic phones to its new Grade 9 students, encouraging them to focus on real-world interactions rather than social media.
Holy Rosary plans to follow suit, with the primary school set to become a smartphone-free campus by 2025.
“Our goal is to foster healthy, balanced childhoods in this digital age,” Meerholz said. “By encouraging our pupils to disconnect from their devices, we’re nurturing the growth of capable, confident, and happy young adults.”
The school hopes that the movement will inspire others beyond its walls and spark a larger conversation about the role of technology in child development.
“This is just the beginning of real, meaningful change,” said the principal.