School phone ban ‘good for pupils’

A WESTON-super-Mare school which banned mobile phones from classrooms says it has improved students’ behaviour and concentration.

Broadoak Academy principal Kathleen McGillycuddy banned the use of mobile phones in school three years ago.

Now education secretary Gavin Williamson has announced that a ban on mobile phones in schools could come into force from January next year.

A consultation on the change has now begun.

Bosses at Broadoak Academy, part of the Cabot Learning Federation, say since the ban staff have noticed fewer behavioural issues in school, with much more concentration on studies.

They say it has also had a positive impact on peer-to-peer relationships, with a noticeable uplift in students talking and interacting at break and lunchtimes.

Phones have to be turned off and put out of sight in school.

Anyone using a phone in school will have it confiscated for the day and, if necessary, returned to the parent or carer.

The move has been welcomed by parents who say they feel less pressure about phone/internet use out of school if youngsters have been screen-free for the day.

Ms McGillycuddy said: “It is just brilliant to give young people permission not be glued to their screens and to focus on interacting in person.

“It has been a great feature of Broadoak that for the majority of young people, we see them talking to each other more and knowing we are actively caring for their mental health, too. Our young people are very sensible and fully understand that this approach helps them.”