WILLEMSTAD – Starting in the new academic year, Marnix College Rio Canario will become the first school in Curaçao to enforce a completely phone-free environment. As of August 2025, students will no longer be allowed to use mobile phones anywhere on the school grounds or inside its buildings. 

According to the school’s administration, the policy aims to promote calm, concentration, and social connection. School principal Linda Honingh says the decision was made to strengthen the quality of education. “Smartphones are a frequent source of distraction. By removing them, we create more space for learning, genuine conversations, and personal growth,” Honingh stated. 

The new rule is built on three core values: responsibility, safety, and compassion. Students are expected to become more mindful of their behavior and attention, while the school environment becomes safer and more connected. The policy also serves as a preventive measure against issues such as cyberbullying and the secret recording of fellow students. 

Teachers have welcomed the initiative. “Without phones, you see students actually talking to each other again. We’re also able to spot signs of trouble much more quickly,” one teacher noted. 

With this move, Marnix College joins a growing international movement of educational institutions rethinking the role of technology in the classroom. The school hopes to help students grow into responsible, socially engaged citizens through this bold step.