Why Phone-Free time matters at a sports and English summer school 

The world surrounds young people with screens, and a summer school should encourage time away from mobile phones, which can feel exhilarating and sometimes necessary. A Sport and English Summer School creates an environment where students can grow, learn, and really connect without the distractions of a screen. This is why this approach can be a powerful tool when selecting a summer school.

1. Better Social Skills and Real Friendships

When students do not have a screen, they naturally are more present and begin to talk, listen and interact. This will go a long way toward building genuine friendships in English lessons or sports sessions, in evening entertainment with other students from all over the world, and in sharing experiences of home or time at the camp. Being able to take part in sports and lessons with the same group each day further builds those relationships. 

2. Stronger Progress in English

Learning English is learnt best learned through honest conversation. Reducing opportunities to use mobile phones allows students to practice speaking English in a real-world context that requires listening to what is being said and then formulating an answer in English.  

During English lessons and sports sessions, this will be the norm; however, the most significant impact and progress will be found during breaks or during the well-planned entertainment provided by summer schools. All these factors, combined, will lead to faster improvement and greater confidence in communicating with students and staff. 

3. More Engagement in Sports and Activities

Phones can lead to divided attention. Without them, students will be able to give their full attention and focus to the sports and English lessons they are involved in. This results in better teamwork, participation and ultimately more enjoyment. Regardless of where they are, students will be fully involved and attentive. 

4. A Healthy Break From Digital Overload

Summer Schools are fully aware of the pressure students face from the abundance of notifications, online comparisons, and the constant "switched on". Therefore, a leading summer school allows students to reset, reducing screen time and increasing sleep time to feel happier and reconnect in the present moment.  

5. Increased Independence and Confidence

Not having a phone or minimal time helps students to become more responsible and independent. It aligns with the World Economic Forum's skills identified in its publication 'The Future of Jobs Report 2025', for example, problem-solving, navigating relationships, and expressing oneself. This is an essential step towards becoming confident and well-rounded adults.

A Summer of Growth, Connection, and Balance

A Summer School's goal is not to ban technology, but to help students understand the importance of balancing it with real-life experiences. A Sport and English Summer School provides space for students to build lifelong friendships, enhance language skills, and create memories for life while taking a break from the digital world, while remaining in control of their devices. 

At Exsportise Summer Schools, we have combined giving students the responsibility for their own mobile phones with restricting their use, so students can really connect. Simply removing mobile phones is not the answer; we have built a robust policy that allows students to enjoy all the benefits of being mobile phone-free on camp while educating them that it is ok to switch off from the digital world. Time in the camps still allows students to contact home and take pictures, etc, to share and remember an unforgettable summer at the UK's leading Summer School.