Charles’ old school bans mobiles to improve social skills
PRINCE Charles’ former school has banned mobile phones amid fears they affect pupils’ social skills.
Gordonstoun, which the Duke of Edinburgh also attended, wants to encourage more face-to-face conversation between youngsters.
Lisa Kerr, the principal of the £21,250-per-year prestigious school, near Elgin in Moray, is now calling on others to follow suit.
She said outlawing them is important for students to build relationships and succeed in life.
Ms Kerr said: “With competition for university places and jobs tougher than ever, we know that young people need more than just great exam results to succeed in life. Spending their time interacting with each other rather than their phones helps to build strong social and interpersonal skills.
“Being off screens also gives more time for sports, arts, expeditions and community service. Without decisive action, we are in danger of raising a generation who cannot build meaningful relationships with a wide range of people.
“This is already evident at social events. Whereas once you would walk into a room and strike up a conversation with someone, now everyone has their heads buried in their phones.”
She added: “The ban will reduce pressure on children to have the latest devices whilst it would also end the stigma on pupils from families who cannot afford one.
The private school head said the feedback from pupils at the school had been “surprisingly positive” due to them enjoying a technology “detox.”
The school has a curriculum which focuses on building life skills by increasing confidence and teamwork through activities including sport, drama, music and volunteering.
She added: “One of the effects of our mobile phone ban has been a big increase in noise levels between lessons. We see this as a good thing. Children are holding conversations, sharing jokes, catching up with each other and doing so face to face, not via social media.”
It comes just weeks after a school in London slammed their use.
Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress of Michaela
Community School in Wembley, north London, said allowing children to use phones is like letting them smoke, drink and watch pornography in school.
Michaela, set up by Fareham MP Suella Braverman, is frequently cited as the “strictest school in Britain”, and has tight rules on phones.