Getty Images | Ariel Skelly

School Starts 'No Phone, New Friends Friday' At Lunch To Get Students Talking To Each Other

It's no secret that teens use their phones a lot these days. However, when one principal noticed that students were looking down on their phones at lunch instead of talking to each other, it gave her an idea to start a new lunchtime tradition.

Janet Behrens, principal of Iowa Valley Junior-Senior High School in Marengo, started "No Phone, New Friends Friday" after watching students ignore each other at lunch.

Unsplash | Expressa Digital

She hoped the tradition would get the school's teens talking to each other face-to-face.

On Fridays, the school cafeteria is a phone-free zone.

Unsplash | Alexis Brown

Each student gets a colored card that corresponds to a table and students with the same card then sit together for lunch. This way, they get a chance to meet new friends and participate in a fun ice-breaker activity.

Since the school has rolled out the program, there have been a number of positive changes.

Facebook | Iowa Valley Community School District

Students say they enjoy the lunchtime routine because it gives them a chance to meet people outside of their social circle.

Students have also said that the program has made people friendlier since they all know each other now.

Facebook | Iowa Valley Community School District

This simple solution sounds like a great way to reduce bullying in schools. How long until every school starts doing this?

H/T KCRG