A SECONDARY school has launched a new policy restricting the use of mobile phones during the school day.

Earlier this year, the previous government issued guidance on mobile phone usage in schools after rising concerns about their influence in the classroom.

The guidance was issued to "minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms", with many schools understood to have banned their use during lesson time.

Responding to this guidance, Cowley International College launched a "soft launch" policy at the end of the last academic term, which fully launched this September.

READ > Money put behind the bar to help pensioners after winter fuel cuts

Policy

After consultations with parents, students, and staff, a policy was agreed for phones to be "never used, seen, or heard" during the school day.

This means that mobile phones must be powered down during lesson time and not kept 'on person' at any time. Instead, the phones will be safely stored in bags, lockers, or at Student Services.

Students will also be taught the benefits of environments without distraction and sanctions, such as detentions and confiscations, will be issued to pupils found to be using their phones.

Pupils are free to use their phones before and after school time and the school confirmed that there are reasonable adjustments for pupils that need them.

Rationale 

In a statement that was published online and sent in a letter to parents and guardians, a Cowley spokesperson said: "The College has a duty to create an environment that is calm, safe and free from distraction so that all students, whatever their background, can learn and thrive.

"One of the greatest challenges facing all schools is the presence of mobile phones. Mobile phones risk unnecessary distraction, disruption and diversion.

"Phone use not only distracts the single student using the phone, but disrupts the lesson for a whole class, and diverts teachers’ efforts away from learning.

"By removing mobile phones from the College day, we can create a safe space where students are protected from the risks and dangers associated with social media and cyber-bullying, as well as the peer pressure and possible stigma associated with owning what are often expensive devices.

"The national evidence indicates that removing mobile phones from a school day changes the whole culture of a school for the better.

"The environment becomes safer, protecting students not only from the short-term distraction of a notification but also the background noise of their lives outside school.

"Without a mobile phone at school, students have the headspace and calm to focus on their lessons.

"Today’s children are growing up in an increasingly complex world, living their lives on and offline. This presents many exciting opportunities – but also challenges.

"By prohibiting mobile phones, we can create safe and calm environments free from distraction so all students can receive the very best education."