Schools in Pembrokeshire are leading the way in reducing issues with mobile phones with the Council among the first in Wales to develop a policy to support it.
The rationale behind the policy is the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones and devices that presents significant challenges to how pupils behave and learn in school settings.
Increasingly, there is mounting evidence suggesting that the unchecked use of mobile phones in schools is having a detrimental impact on pupils’ mental health and academic progress, while also draining the energy of school staff who must manage resulting problems.
As well as distraction by normal messaging there are the risks of bullying, sexting or sharing inappropriate chats and images.
Education officers set up a Local Authority and Schools working group to develop guidance on removing mobile phones during the school day following the success Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi had when it was introduced last year.
Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi, Milford Haven School, Haverfordwest High, Pembroke Dock Community School and Gelliswick VC Primary School were involved in the group which has developed mobile phones guidance for schools to introduce this academic year.
Pembroke Dock Community School Headteacher Michele Thomas said: “Establishing good habits in primary school to be mobile free supports the transition into secondary schools with the same policy.
“Nearly all Pembrokeshire schools prohibit the use of mobile phones during the school day, which has helped learners have a clearer focus on their work and reduces distractions. In addition the policy reduces the risk of any inappropriate use. The policy has been working well and will have long term benefits all round.”
Rachel Thomas, Headteacher of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi added: “The prohibited use of mobile phones and storage of them during lesson time has changed our entire school community’s safeguarding, wellbeing and learning environment completely.
“My latest mantra is that we live in a society where children are banned from playing conkers but are allowed mobile phones and online devices which put their safeguarding, wellbeing and childhood at risk.”
Funds have also been allocated to support schools with the logistics of removing phones, such as storage facilities, and all secondary schools are now implementing or are planning to introduce the policy guidance this year.
Sean Thomas, Assistant Headteacher for Behaviour, Culture and Ethos at Milford Haven School said: “As a school, we anticipated this policy being challenging to implement, at least for the first few weeks. However, the pupils, staff and parents have bought into it fantastically, it has been a huge success.
“Pupils and staff have all commented on an increased focus during lessons, less distractions and a calmer environment.”
The Prefect Team, Communications Team and Headteacher collaborated to create a fun and informative video for social media, addressing concerns about the new mobile phone policy after the pupil voice session to ensure pupils felt heard and informed about the changes ahead.
Headteacher Ceri-Ann Morris added: “I am extremely proud of how our pupils have embraced this positive change. Listening to our pupil voice prior to implementing the new policy has been instrumental in its success as their input and cooperation have helped shape a smoother, more positive transition for everyone.
“The Prefect Team did a wonderful job addressing concerns from our pupil voice in a fantastic video that was released to parents and pupils prior to the new policy being in place. We have seen tremendous positive impact in classrooms as pupils are more focused and an increase in social interactions at break. The feedback from staff, parents, and pupils has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, Cllr Guy Woodham, said: “Our schools are leading the way in improving safety and learning for their learners, this mobile phone policy supports them in this work to protect young people.
“‘I’d like to thank all those involved in developing and implementing this new and effective policy.”
