Schools enforce stricter phone rules for a distraction-free learning environment
More schools across South West England are introducing stricter mobile phone policies, with some now locking pupils’ devices away for the entire school day in an effort to cut distractions and boost focus.
At Brannel School near St Austell, pupils are now placing their phones into secure magnetic pouches each morning, where they stay until ‘home time’.
Head teacher Tristan Muller-Forster said the system helps tackle what he calls “mobile fatigue” – the instinctive urge to check a device simply because it’s within reach.
“The beauty of this approach is that the phones aren’t taken away,” he said. “They’re just out of use, so students aren’t tempted to reach for them during lessons.”
Pupils have been open to the change and admit the impact has been noticeable.
One student said lessons run more smoothly because teachers are no longer stopping to remind classmates to put phones away.
Another said it has eased anxiety: “You’re not worried about notifications. People chat more at break and lunch instead of scrolling.”
Chulmleigh College in Devon has taken even stronger action.
Phones can be brought into school, but they must not be seen or heard at any point during the day.
Breaching the rule can result in detention and confiscation, sometimes for weeks.
Students acknowledge that the policy is strict but say it keeps lessons focused.
“If you’re on your phone, it distracts you and everyone around you,” one said.
Head teacher Neil Payne believes the rules are essential for strong performance and making sure that every lesson counts.
With attitudes changing to smartphone usage, other schools across the UK are likely to adopt similar measures.