A Lake District school has banned pupils from using mobile phones during the day.
Windermere School has introduced the policy to help revolutionise the school environment, placing a strong emphasis on face-to-face communication, focused learning and the mental health of pupils, it said.
From this term, pupils will have to lock their phones in specially designed Yondr pouches upon arrival at school.
The pouches remain sealed throughout the day and are only opened by staff at the end of the school day, allowing pupils to use their devices as they leave school.
The initiative is inspired by growing concerns over the negative impact of excessive mobile phone use among young people and has received widespread support from both parents and educators, the school said.
Mobile phones have already been banned for primary and secondary schools in France, after a government drive to promote focus and prevent online bullying.
Head Frank Thompson said “I am very excited about the potential this initiative has for improving children’s wellbeing in school.
“When you choose a school like Windermere, you are choosing a school for its opportunities and values. Teenagers are very receptive to the attitudes and values of those around them. In controlling the volume of social media content your children receive, we are giving them the space to absorb more positive messages from those around them in the physical world and particularly during the school day.”
