By Jordan Coussins,Swnsimogen Howse imogen Howse,SWNSImogenHowse Imogen Howse
Copyright birminghammail
A group of schools has been compelled to shell out over £50k on mobile phone pouches after students continually defied a ban by sneaking off to the loo for a scroll. Simon Elliott, CEO of the Community Schools Trust, felt compelled to take action due to the “dangers” presented by mobiles. The trust had previously enforced a ban across its seven schools, but found that the youngsters simply disregarded it. They would either use their devices out of sight of teachers or sneak off to the toilet for a scroll. Lockable pouches, costing £9 each, have now been purchased for all of the trust’s pupils – a total expenditure of £54,000. However, Mr Elliott believes it’s a small price to pay for enhanced education. Read more: 22 Birmingham streets where cars are banned He stated: “We have decided to take action because of the dangers posed by mobile phone use in schools. “We had banned the phones but students were sneaking off to the toilet to use them or using them out of eye shot of teachers. “If they were spotted they were confiscated but that didn’t deter some students from using them. “The pouches allow students to keep the phones in their possession but prevent them from being used during the school day. “It is a lot of money but the impact of mobile phones on students mental health and ability to learn cannot be underestimated. “It is not over reaction to say that young people are becoming completely and utterly addicted to these devices. “They are not only affecting their grades but their wellbeing as well. “Time on social media sites is linked to depression and anxiety among young people. “Of course, they will still be able to access their phones after school and at weekends, so we also have to teach them how to use mobile phones responsibly.” Fresh research has shown that the typical teenager spends 11 hours daily staring at screens, whilst 55 per cent of children aged eight to 11 possess a smartphone. Evidence indicates that a mobile-free school environment has a beneficial effect. The trust is collaborating with supplier Phone Locker to implement the initiative. And, whilst other educational establishments have requested parents fund the pouches, the schools within the Community Schools Trust are covering the expense. Managing director of Phone Locker, Adam Proops, said: “Adults, let alone children, find it difficult enough to leave their phone alone. “That’s where Phone Locker comes in. “As a hard barrier between phone and student, it makes that choice that little bit more difficult: ‘Do I really want to break the rules?’ ‘Am I going to get in trouble?'”. “Without it, the likelihood of just a quick look is too tempting. “Over time, that reliance lessens and it becomes habit to take that break during the day. “Yes, it does mean that some of the responsibility is put back on to parents to make sure their child understands the importance of adhering to school rules on phone use. “However, given the benefits, they are often very supportive.” The Community Schools Trust operates seven schools – six in East London and one in Norfolk – all of which boast above-average exam results. The flagship school, Forest Gate Community, has consistently ranked among the top 50 schools nationwide. Meanwhile, Excelsior Academy witnessed a surge in A-Level results following the implementation of a mobile phone ban in the sixth form last year.
