Camps Bay High to ban cellphones during school day from 2026

Camps Bay High School in Cape Town will go phone-free for learners from the start of the 2026 academic year, banning the use of cellphones during the school day and introducing dedicated phone lockers on campus. 

Learners will be required to leave their phones at home or lock them away on arrival, with access only after the final bell.

Principal Louis Mostert said the decision follows growing concerns about classroom disruption, declining focus and poor social interaction among pupils. 

"This has been coming on for quite a while now. There have been a number of staff who have been calling for a phone-free environment."

"We are an educational institution, and we're supposed to be teaching the kids the correct way and the right things. There's no harm in them not having access to their phone for the school day."

"If there's an emergency at home, there's a reception, you can phone and get hold of the child."

He stated that managing cellphone use has become increasingly difficult, with learners distracted during lessons and isolated during breaks, often wearing earphones and avoiding face-to-face interaction.

The move is backed by international research suggesting that removing smartphones from schools improves academic performance and social climate. 

Mostert asserts that the school governing body has approved the policy and reports that there has been minimal pushback from parents thus far.

To listen to Louis Mostert in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click the audio below: