Episode #194. Unlocking Childhood: How One School Is Leading the Safe Tech Revolution, Anthony England, Pymble Ladies' College – Watch us change the world

Anthony England, Director of Innovation at Pymble Ladies’ College, discusses a bold grassroots initiative to reclaim childhood from the grip of digital addiction. With screen time skyrocketing and mental health declining, Anthony and his team took action—rolling out over 800 custom-managed smartphones designed to grow with students, limit harmful content, and foster real-world connection.

Pymble has chosen a new and courageous path—one that protects wellbeing while preparing students to thrive in a complex digital world.

At the centre of this conversation is the Pymble Wise Phone Initiative, launching in 2025. This school-wide program will provide a wiser mobile phone choice to students in Years 4 to 8, replacing traditional smartphones with custom-managed devices that grow with the child. Designed to be boring by design—but brilliant in impact—these phones limit harmful content while enabling connection, safety, and gradual digital independence.

We dive into:

• Why they created affordable, safe phones that don’t steal attention
• How a $5 alarm clock and a Wi-Fi timer can transform home tech habits
• The ripple effects: more sleep, stronger friendships, time for hobbies and outdoor play
• The digital licence approach: like P-plates for phones, helping students earn responsibility
• How joy is being restored—through go-karts, bikes, and parent-child pledges to live life well

This initiative is not about restriction—it’s about protection and empowerment. By uniting the school and home in a shared mission, Pymble is creating a spring-free trampoline for digital life—a safe ecosystem where children can grow stronger, not more stressed.

✨ “We are choosing a new and courageous path to make the world a better place for our girls.” – Pymble Ladies’ College

💡 If you’re a parent, teacher, policymaker, or school leader searching for practical answers, this episode will inspire, inform, and empower you to take the next step toward a wiser digital future.

This is a hopeful and practical blueprint for schools, parents, and policymakers navigating the digital age. It’s not about banning tech but making it safer, smarter, and developmentally appropriate.

💡If you’re a parent, teacher, or school leader wondering how to make meaningful change, this episode will inspire and empower you with real-world solutions.