I’m not saying don’t ban phones.
I’m not saying don’t teach oracy.
But let’s not mistake those things for a cure.
Especially if the reason (as often given) is to improve socialisation and verbal interaction.
Young people want to talk to each other.
They crave connection.
We heard them say it — loudly — during COVID.
When classrooms were screens and corridors were silent, what they missed most wasn’t textbooks.
It was each other.
In my experience, when our amazing young people are habitually exposed to topics that matter (TO THEM), you see sparks fly.
They’ll debate. They’ll question. They’ll laugh. They’ll push boundaries.
They want to be heard, and they want to hear each other — when it feels relevant.
Maybe the issue is too many screens and not enough structured talking time.
Or maybe we’ve misunderstood how young people actually want to engage.
Maybe what’s missing too often is relevance:
Learning that connects to their world.
Questions that make them lean in.
Space that respects their voices.
So yes — teach oracy if needed.
Yes — set boundaries around devices.
But don’t forget... AFTER we've done that...
What are we inviting them to talk about?
When learning is meaningful, connection follows.
When students see purpose, they show up.
Build spaces that honour curiosity, conversation, and relevance.
#ReimagineLearning #StudentVoice #ListenHarder #EducationMatters