Story perspectives

St. John's College Launches Phone-Free Challenge to Combat Distractions

1/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, launched a six-day challenge to abstain from smartphones and internet-connected devices, starting in December.
The campaign used fliers titled “THE WORLD W/Out A PHONE” inviting participation.
At a Sunday gathering in Murchison dorm, Mary Claire Fagan, a junior at St. John’s College, prepared pork pozole.
Fagan said students want a break from phone distractions but find giving them up inconvenient and isolating.

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Story summary

St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico, launched a six-day challenge to abstain from smartphones and internet-connected devices, starting in December.
The campaign used fliers titled “THE WORLD W/Out A PHONE” inviting participation.
At a Sunday gathering in Murchison dorm, Mary Claire Fagan, a junior at St. John’s College, prepared pork pozole.
Fagan said students want a break from phone distractions but find giving them up inconvenient and isolating.