HOW DO OTHERS DEAL WITH ISSUE?

As Towers introduces a tough new policy, the Kentish Express looks at how other schools in the district are tackling the use of mobile phones… permission, it is confiscated and held at the school reception until the end of the school day.

“It is important for students to know when and how to use their mobile phones.

“We educate our pupils about the opportunities and potential harm that phones can bring from using creative and collaborative apps to learning to be safe online.

“During the school day, we expect our students to put away their phones during their lessons and only to use it during the times, and in the areas, they are allowed to do so.” Interim head teacher Sue

Kelly – who is standing in until new head Ben Greene arrives in the summer – says the school does not have a total ban on mobile phones.

She said: “We value their potential as a learning tool.

“Our school has a strong wifi network, which has recently been expanded, and we do allow all students to connect to this.

“Mobile phones can therefore be used in lessons, as and when directed by the teacher, for learning purposes.

“They can also be used during break and lunch times.

“However, they cannot be used while walking around the site.” Assistant head teacher Leigh-Ann Perrian says mobiles may be used in classrooms during lessons.

The school’s mobile phone policy states: “We do not allow the use of mobile phones in the corridors while moving between lessons but they may be used in lessons with the teacher’s permission as a tool to aid learning.

“We recognise that mobile phones are part of a teenager’s everyday life and that they also play an important role in helping students to feel safe and secure.

“Any mobile devices which interfere with teaching and learning, or are used inappropriately, are confiscated.”

The North School, Tenterden’s Homewood and Wye Free School did not reply when approached for a comment.