Watertown, Mass., school first in country to pilot new app limiting students internet access

Watertown High School in Massachusetts will become the first public school in the U. S. to pilot the "Doorman" app, aimed at reducing students' screen time in class. The app employs VPN technology to temporarily block access to distracting smartphone content, allowing students to concentrate on their studies. Principal Joel Giacobozzi stated the app helps students keep their phones while disabling high-dopamine apps during class periods.

In case of emergencies, students have access to an emergency unlock feature to send messages. Teachers will begin training on the system this Thursday, and students will experience it during the second week of school. The pilot program will run through the new year, allowing the school to evaluate its impact on student focus and learning. This initiative reflects a growing concern over smartphone distractions in educational settings. If successful, the app could serve as a model for other schools facing similar challenges.