A secondary school in Bewdley has announced that it will be creating a 'smartphone-free school day' as it moves in line with government guidance.
The Bewdley School’s new policy will take effect from Monday, June 22, and will apply to all mobile phones, smartwatches, earbuds and similar devices.
These items must not be seen, heard or used during school hours.
The school said devices can still be brought on-site for travel purposes, but must be switched off and locked in a YONDR pouch on arrival, remaining secured until the end of the day.
The changes follow national guidelines encouraging schools to become mobile-free environments by default.
In a letter to parents, the school said: "At The Bewdley School, we are committed to ensuring that all students are able to learn in a calm, focused, and safe environment.
"While we recognise that mobile phones are an important part of modern life and can support learning outside school, they can also present significant distractions and challenges during the school day.
"This approach is designed to support students in being Ready, Respectful and Safe, while reducing unnecessary distractions and promoting wellbeing."
The Government’s non-statutory guidance recommends that all schools prohibit student phone use throughout the school day unless there are exceptional circumstances.
Officials believe the rules help schools create "calm, safe and supportive environments conducive to teaching, and keeping children safe in education."
The guidance also stresses the importance of clearly communicating policies to staff, pupils and parents to set clear expectations and maintain school culture.
The Government said: "Communicating the school behaviour policy, including the school’s policy on prohibiting the use of mobile phones, to all members of the community is an important way of building and maintaining the school’s culture and makes expectations transparent to all."
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