In September 2025, the Cycle d'Orientation de la Glâne (COGL) in Switzerland launched a comprehensive interdisciplinary project to address student sleep quality, with a specific focus on the impact of mobile phone usage. This initiative was prompted by a 2025 survey that found 98% of incoming students were already smartphone owners. The project aims to educate students about sleep mechanisms, identify factors disrupting sleep, and encourage mindful digital engagement.
Despite a nationwide ban on mobile phones in Fribourg schools since 2016, their presence continues to influence the school environment. Issues include increased domestic friction, the impact of social media on adolescent mood regulation, and the detrimental effects of sleep deprivation on concentration and memory. To counter these challenges, COGL has integrated pedagogical teams across various subjects. Students are actively involved by maintaining sleep journals, with data analyzed in mathematics and computer science classes, discussed in French, and contextualized in science lessons. Physical education focuses on breathing and recovery techniques, music explores calming audio, and visual arts students create sleep-themed pieces.
The school views smartphones as a significant influence, referring to them as a "third educator." They distinguish their secure Wi-Fi network from the unfiltered access students get via personal devices, acknowledging technology's pervasive nature. This project aligns with growing global concerns about adolescent smartphone habits. Research consistently links excessive screen time, especially before bed, to delayed sleep onset, reduced sleep duration, and hindered academic performance. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey reported 95% of U.S. teens own a smartphone, with nearly half online almost constantly. Similarly, a 2021 UK study found 91% of 12-15 year olds owned a smartphone, reflecting a global trend.
Studies indicate that blue light emitted from screens suppresses melatonin production, a hormone crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles, leading to poorer sleep quality. The constant connectivity and fear of missing out (FOMO) can also drive late-night digital engagement, exacerbating sleep disturbances. Research further suggests a correlation between problematic smartphone use and increased anxiety and depression in adolescents. By actively involving families, COGL seeks to foster student well-being and optimize learning, promoting a balanced relationship with technology for overall student thriving.