How new smartphone ban in English schools will work

Almost all schools already have some sort of phone ban in place – but policies vary.

Some have special lockers for phones, others have sealed pouches.

At one school in Hampshire, “brick” or “dumb” phones are the only devices allowed, which can only be used to call or text and have very limited internet access.

In Essex, another school has just invested in magnetically locked pouches, to replace its previous out-of-sight policy. Children who need access to their phones during the day for medical reasons, such as to control an insulin pump, will instead use Velcro-sealed pouches.

These types of pouches have already made a “phenomenal difference” at a school in Hull, the staff and pupils say.

Some schools have “no see, no hear” policies, where phones can remain with students as long as the devices remain stored away.

The government says head teachers know their schools and pupils best, so can choose a way of delivering a phone ban that works for them.

But some unions want the government to go further.

Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has called for more funding to support bans beyond “no see, no hear”, to help pay for things like lockers, secure storage areas or phone pouches.