LISMORE, NSW — 1 December 2025 — Living School, a progressive K–12 independent school in the Northern Rivers, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with New York–based technology company Light to pioneer Australia’s first school-based minimalist phone trial for students.
The collaboration will explore how the Light Phone III can support student wellbeing, independence and real-world connection in the lead-up to, and beyond, Australia’s new under-16 social media ban. The initiative positions Living School at the forefront of a national rethinking of childhood, technology and attention.
From 10 December, young Australians under 16 will be restricted from accessing major social media platforms—marking one of the most significant shifts in youth digital life in a generation. While many schools are preparing to react, Living School is choosing to lead.
“We’re not anti-technology,” said John Stewart, Founder of Living School. “We’re pro-childhood. This partnership is about designing environments that protect attention, foster presence, and help young people build a healthy relationship with the tools that will shape their lives.”
Kai Tang, CEO of Light, said the collaboration reflects the deeper purpose behind the Light Phone. “The Light Phone was built as a response to the attention economy. It’s about giving people their time back. Seeing a school adopt this philosophy so intentionally is incredibly hopeful.”
“Our parent community is deeply supportive of mindful technology use,” said Rich Bolus, Chief Development Officer at Living School. “Families want connection and safety for their children—but too often that currently comes bundled with addiction, anxiety and distraction. The Light Phone aligns perfectly with our values of presence, intentional learning, and helping students develop a healthy relationship with technology.”
Light is widely known for leading the global digital minimalism movement, designing beautifully simple devices that offer essential tools without digital distraction. The Light Phone III supports core communication and everyday utilities—including navigation, podcasts, tethering and photography—without social media, apps, infinite feeds or algorithmic manipulation.
The pilot will roll out in three phases:
“The switch to Light Phone is not intended as a punishment or a ban,” Bolus said. “It’s a tool that empowers young people to focus on what matters most—deep learning, genuine relationships, and connection with their world. That’s what education should support.”
With more than 320 students and nearly 200 families, Living School’s community is uniquely positioned to test and demonstrate a real-world pathway forward for schools and families navigating life after social media.
The school is set to receive its first shipment of Light Phone III devices in December 2025.
“Living School’s Light Phone trial is a proactive, real-world response to the crisis of digital overload facing young people today,” Bolus said. “It offers something families across Australia are searching for: a middle path between total disconnection and total digital saturation.”
To find out more about the Light Phone III model that the school is trialling, visit
Rich Bolus
Chief Development Officer
0425 788 654
www.living.school
To listen to Conductor, John Stewart talk with Light Phone’s co-creator on The Dad Mindset podcast click here.
