Students receive smartphone pouches as Ascot school goes ‘fully phone-free’

Secondary students in Ascot have been locking their mobile phones in special pouches as their school became 'fully phone-free' last week. 

St George’s School has banned mobile phones during the school day for Years 7 to 11 and older students are responsible for looking after their own devices locked in Yondr pouches.

These magnetic pouches securely store pupils’ mobile phones and remain locked until the end of the school day for Year 9 to 11 students.

Helen Simpson, Deputy Head (Pastoral) said: “We are embracing this positive change which aims to support girls in minimising distractions and maximising their learning potential.

“We hope that this will simplify the school day, with improved relationships between pupils and a healthier approach to managing time online.

A statement from St George’s said these ‘innovative’ measures of supporting pupil wellbeing and holistic development support the government's mobile phone policy changes in schools.

Introducing Yondr pouches offers a ‘structured approach to managing device usage’ by reducing ‘excessive screen time’ and fostering a ‘healthier relationship with technology’.

Teenagers report that mobile phone usage and social media are common sources of anxiety, and can lead to sleep disturbances, and disengagement from school.

The school also cited a recent study by The University of Cambridge indicating that 48 per cent of British teenagers feel ‘addicted to social media’.

Research by Yondr also showed that more than 80 per cent of schools using pouches see an improvement in student mental health and engagement, while over 65 per cent report better behaviour and academic results.

The school said its decision to introduce Yondr pouches was motivated by its ‘wider mission’ to empower students to navigate the ‘pervasive influence of technology responsibly’.

“In schools that have already introduced the initiative parents and teachers have been extremely pleased with the impact and the pupils have adapted swiftly to the ‘new normal’; our girls have been quick to embrace these changes so far,” added Ms Simpson.