{"id":12559,"date":"2025-02-19T12:05:33","date_gmt":"2025-02-19T12:05:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.swisslearning.com\/?p=12559"},"modified":"2025-02-19T12:08:09","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T12:08:09","slug":"meet-eat-feet-one-year-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swisslearning.com\/tr\/news\/meet-eat-feet-one-year-on\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cMeet, Eat, Feet\u201d: One Year On"},"content":{"rendered":"

11 February, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over a year ago, Aiglon College introduced the \u201cMeet, Feet, Eat.\u201d<\/a> approach to mobile device use. At the time, this policy stood apart from schools that had opted for a complete ban on mobile phones during the school day. It still does. One year on, I want to reflect on why this approach, one that sets clear boundaries while fostering self-regulation, is so fundamentally Aiglon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Balanced Approach to Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rather than banning mobile phones, Aiglon\u2019s \u201cMeet, Feet, Eat\u201d policy is built on the school\u2019s guiding philosophy of balancing mind, body, and spirit. It reflects our commitment to self-discipline, personal responsibility, and holistic development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology is an integral part of modern education. By regulating its use rather than prohibiting it, we encourage students to integrate digital tools into their learning in a way that promotes intellectual growth, critical thinking, and independence. The ability to manage distractions, adapt to different environments, and engage meaningfully with both digital and real-world interactions is a vital life skill. Our students will have to navigate when it is appropriate and when it is not appropriate to use devices for the rest of their lives. So why wouldn\u2019t schools help them to do this? Especially a school built on genuine connections between staff and students, in the classroom, in the boarding houses and on the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFeet\u201d \u2013 Looking Up and Taking it in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cFeet\u201d aspect of the policy is not just about safety\u2014though that matters, too. We have all seen people walking with their eyes glued to their screens, oblivious to their surroundings. Encouraging students to walk with their heads up helps cultivate awareness, presence, and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And what a setting we have. Aiglon\u2019s campus itself is a secret weapon for well-being\u2014with every step across its beautiful landscape offering a chance to clear the mind, breathe in the mountain air, and feel connected to both people and nature. Students naturally navigate the campus without screens, reinforcing the habit of being present in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Power of Clear Boundary Setting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By setting clear boundaries about mobile phone use, including meal times, meetings, meditations, lessons, and gatherings, the “Meet, Feet, Eat\u201d approach provides students with daily opportunities to make the right choices about their device use. And they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This approach aligns with Aiglon\u2019s guiding principles of challenge, respect, responsibility, diversity, and service:<\/p>\n\n\n\n