A trauma-informed, nervous-system-aware approach to phone-free routines

Using the SENSE Framework to maintain calm, protect relationships, and hold firm boundaries with high warmth + high consistency.

<aside> ⚡

Quick Start for Busy Staff

New to this resource? Start here:

  1. Read the SENSE Framework section (2 minutes)
  2. Learn your staff anchor phrase: "Phone away. Brain on."
  3. Bookmark the Staff Scripts section for in-the-moment use
  4. Review the 5 Threshold Moments with your team </aside>

The SENSE Framework Applied to Phone-Free Practice

S — Support (Adults regulate first)

Staff model calm. Phones out of sight. Predictable, low-voice responses.

E — Educate (Name the emotion, not the behaviour)

"I get it — that worry feels loud." Validate before redirecting.

N — Nurture (Connection before correction)

"We're keeping the day calm." Relationship-first language. Private correction, public dignity.

S — Share Safety (Predictable responses)

"Phone away. Brain on." Same phrase, every time, every adult. No debates. Closed loops.

E — Evaluate (Reflect after calm)

"This routine is hard for you. Let's agree a plan for tomorrow."

The 5 High-Risk Threshold Moments

Why threshold moments matter: Teens are still building impulse control. Adrenaline spikes → dysregulation → escalation. Our job is to remove the stimulus and reduce the load before flashpoints occur.

Moment What's happening (nervous system) What we do (SENSE in action)
Gate entry "One last check" / FOMO / anxiety spike S — Share Safety: Same cue every time: "Final check now. Phone away. Brain on." Staff phones out of sight.
Bag/locker transition Phone = comfort object (predictability + dopamine) N — Nurture: Normalise it: "Phone's resting. Routine job." Neutral tone, no drama.
Post-break re-entry Adrenaline up → impulse control down S — Support: Door reset: 60 seconds. Breath + grounding + Do Now on desks. Start before arguments start.
Bathroom request Most common covert-use moment S — Share Safety: Clear sign-out + time expectation: "Back in 5." Calm check-in if it runs over.
End-of-day return Anticipation → crowding / agitation S — Support: Calm, orderly return. Never use as reward/punishment. Stays procedural.