The Community Schools Trust took the measure to stop students scrolling in the toilets
A group of schools has been compelled to shell out more than £50k on phone pouches after students continually ignored a ban, often sneaking off to the loo for a quick scroll. Simon Elliott, CEO of the Community Schools Trust, felt compelled to act due to the “dangers” presented by mobiles.
The trust had previously enforced a ban across its seven schools, but found that the kids simply disregarded it. They would either use their devices out of sight of teachers or sneak off to the toilet for a scroll.
Lockable pouches, costing £9 each, have now been purchased for all of the trust’s students, totalling a cost of £54,000. However, Mr Elliott believes it’s a small price to pay for improved education.
He said: “We have decided to take action because of the dangers posed by mobile phone use in schools. We had banned the phones but students were sneaking off to the toilet to use them or using them out of eye shot of teachers. If they were spotted they were confiscated but that didn’t deter some students from using them.”
Mr Elliott continued: “The pouches allow students to keep the phones in their possession but prevent them from being used during the school day. It is a lot of money but the impact of mobile phones on students mental health and ability to learn cannot be underestimated.”
He stressed that students are becoming increasingly dependent on their phones through day-to-day life. He said: “It is not over reaction to say that young people are becoming completely and utterly addicted to these devices. They are not only affecting their grades but their wellbeing as well. Time on social media sites is linked to depression and anxiety among young people. Of course, they will still be able to access their phones after school and at weekends, so we also have to teach them how to use mobile phones responsibly.”
Recent research has revealed that the average teenager spends 11 hours a day on screens, whilst 55 per cent of children aged eight to 11 own a smartphone. Studies suggest that a phone-free school has a positive impact.
The trust is collaborating with provider Phone Locker to implement the scheme. And, whilst other schools have asked parents to pay for the pouches, the schools in the Community Schools Trust are covering the cost.
Managing director of Phone Locker, Adam Proops, said: “Adults, let alone children, find it difficult enough to leave their phone alone. That’s where Phone Locker comes in. As a hard barrier between phone and student, it makes that choice that little bit more difficult: ‘Do I really want to break the rules?’ ‘Am I going to get in trouble?’ Without it, the likelihood of just a quick look is too tempting.”
Mr Proops continued: “Over time, that reliance lessens and it becomes habit to take that break during the day. Yes, it does mean that some of the responsibility is put back on to parents to make sure their child understands the importance of adhering to school rules on phone use. However, given the benefits, they are often very supportive.”
The Community Schools Trust operates seven schools – six in East London and one in Norfolk – all of which boast above-average exam results.
The flagship school, Forest Gate Community, has consistently ranked among the top 50 schools nationwide. Meanwhile, Excelsior Academy witnessed a surge in A-Level results following the implementation of a mobile phone ban in the sixth form last year.
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