Phone bans don't work. Students just find workarounds.
Schools across the country are confiscating phones, installing pouches, and rolling out blanket bans — and students are still distracted. The problem isn't access to phones. It's what they do with them.
Spark takes a different approach. Instead of fighting student behavior, we redirect it — replacing social media feeds with personalized educational content during school hours, automatically and without confrontation.
Three steps to smarter screen time
Spark works with your school's existing phone policy — no IT overhaul required.
School joins Spark
Your school signs up and sets the hours Spark is active. Setup takes minutes, not weeks.
Students download the app
Students download Spark on iOS or Android and grant screen time permissions — or hand over their phone. Most choose the app.
Screen time gets redirected
During school hours, social media is replaced by Spark's personalized feed — videos, articles, and project ideas matched to each student's interests. After school, it deactivates automatically.
For parents: Spark can optionally be extended beyond school hours — giving families the same redirect experience at home.
Built for schools. Designed for students.
Spark is the only solution that works with student behavior instead of against it.
No confrontation needed
Schools present Spark as a choice — download the app or surrender your phone. Most students choose the app. No arguments, no enforcement headaches.
Personalized content
Spark's feed is matched to each student's interests — not a one-size-fits-all library. Students actually want to use it.
Automatic off switch
Spark deactivates the moment school ends. Students get their full phone back. Parents can optionally extend it at home.
Privacy first
Spark does not sell student data. Ever. Built with student privacy as a baseline, not an afterthought.
How Spark stacks up
Most solutions fight the phone. Spark redirects it.
| Feature | Spark | Phone Ban | Phone Pouches | Web Filters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone stays accessible | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Works on cellular | ✓ | — | — | ✕ |
| Replaces distraction with learning | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| No IT infrastructure needed | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Auto-deactivates after school | ✓ | — | — | ✕ |
| Parent controls available | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Students use it willingly | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
Common questions
How does Spark work?
Spark is an app students download on their personal phones. During school hours, it replaces social media with a personalized educational content feed. After school, it deactivates automatically.
Do students need to download an app?
Yes. Students download Spark on iOS or Android and grant screen time permissions during setup.
What devices does Spark support?
iOS and Android. Chromebook support coming soon.
How long does setup take?
For schools, minutes. For students, under 5 minutes on their first day.
Does Spark block social media?
Spark redirects it. During school hours, opening a social media app brings students to Spark's feed instead. It's not a wall — it's a better default.
Can students bypass Spark?
Spark uses the same screen time permission system parents use for family controls. It's not foolproof, but it's the same enforcement mechanism schools and parents already rely on.
What content does Spark show?
Personalized educational content — videos, articles, and project ideas matched to each student's interests across subjects.
What happens outside school hours?
Spark deactivates automatically. Students have full access to their phone. Parents can optionally choose to extend Spark at home.
How is Spark different from GoGuardian or Securly?
GoGuardian and Securly build walls. Spark builds habits. Filtering tools block access — Spark replaces the behavior with something better.
How is Spark different from phone pouches like Yondr?
Phone pouches remove access entirely. Spark keeps phones accessible for emergencies while redirecting how they're used.
How is Spark different from a full phone ban?
Phone bans create conflict and are difficult to enforce consistently. Spark gives schools a softer, more effective option that students actually accept.
How much does Spark cost?
We're currently in pre-launch. Join the waitlist and we'll share pricing details as we approach our pilot program.
Is there a pilot program?
Yes — we're building our waitlist of pilot schools now. Sign up above to be considered.
Bring Spark to your school
We're currently building our waitlist of pilot schools. If you're an educator or administrator interested in being among the first to try Spark, we'd love to hear from you.
You're on the list.
We'll be in touch as we approach our pilot launch — thank you for your interest in Spark.