# How to Rejuvenate In-Person Interactions and 'the Commons' in Schools… Through an App

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-future-of-education-3943663/how-to-rejuvenate-in-person-interactions-and-the-commons-in-schools-through-an-app
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-future-of-education-3943663/how-to-rejuvenate-in-person-interactions-and-the-commons-in-schools-through-an-app.md
Podcast: [The Future of Education](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-future-of-education-3943663)
Published: 2026-02-23T15:47:00+00:00
Episode link: https://michaelbhorn.substack.com/p/how-to-rejuvenate-in-person-interactions
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/187636143/6cad6eddeac1129fb20c959d589e943a.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2145

## Resource

States across the country are banning cellphones in schools to try and restore order, attention, connection, and more in schools. As I’ve written extensively , my concern isn’t that schools should take this action in many cases, but that top-down bans (even with carve outs for educational uses) will likely (even if unintentionally) crack down on those schools and educators who have found good uses for phones in schools. And there are many of these use cases, as I’ve written. But how can schools gain control of this issue? Shannon Godfrey and Julia Gustafson, the founders of a new company, The Commons App , joined me to explore how schools can rejuvenate “the commons”—that is, shared spaces for learning and genuine connection—by intelligently managing smartphone distractions. Our conversation dug into the pitfalls of total phone bans; shared insights from public health and education technology on why nuanced, evidence-driven solutions matter; and detailed how The Commons App uses behavioral economics and geofencing to block the most distracting apps during school hours. Shannon and Julia talked to me about the importance of teaching self-regulation, involving technology directors in school policy decisions, and supporting educators in fostering healthy digital habits among students—and why that is something important for schools to wade into. I found the conversation illuminating and look forward to your thoughts after you’ve listened, watched, or read the whole thing. Michael Horn Welcome to the Future of Education. I’m Michael Horn. You’re joining the show where we’re dedicated to creating a world in which all individuals can build their passions, fulfill their potential and live lives of purpose. And to help us think through that, today we have the co-founders of the…

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