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Spotlight on... Swanmore Mobile Phone Policy

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Some facts for you

  • Year 7 pupils: Smartphones are not permitted.
  • Years 8–11 pupils:
    • Phones must be switched off at all times and kept in bags.
    • Pupils must not use mobile phones or earphones/earbuds/AirPods/smartwatches for any reason between 08:00–15:30.
    • If a pupil is seen with or using a phone or wearable device, it will be confiscated and stored at reception for collection at the end of the day.
    • Reasonable adjustments are made for pupils with medical needs, such as diabetic monitoring.
  • If a pupil refuses to hand over a phone, they will be sent directly to the Learning Hub.

Background

Our mobile phone policy is designed to create a calm, focused and safe learning environment. Removing phones from the school day helps pupils to:

  • concentrate fully in lessons,
  • engage positively with peers and staff,
  • reduce distractions and potential online issues during school hours.

This approach is supported by UK government guidance, which encourages schools to prohibit mobile phone use during the school day to minimise disruption and improve behaviour.

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Parent Voice

We are very pleased that 75% of parents and carers who responded to our Autumn term survey agreed with and supported this policy. Your feedback confirms that the majority of families share our commitment to clear boundaries around mobile phone use in school.  We are grateful for your continued partnership in reinforcing these expectations with pupils.

Q) The biggest challenge?

A) Convincing pupils this ban is in their best interests.

While many pupils understand the rationale, we know that this can still feel challenging for them. We ask that you talk with your child at home about why the policy matters, not as a punishment, but as a way of supporting learning, wellbeing and healthy habits around technology. Research highlights that school policies work best when they are backed up by consistent messages at home, helping young people to understand when and why phone-free time is important.

 

If you have any feedback or questions about our mobile phone policy, please do not hesitate to contact us via the Spotlight email address: spotlight@swanmore-sec.hants.sch.uk

 

 

 

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