Mobile Phone-Free School
St Bede's is a mobile-free school
In 2021, we decided to introduce a ban on mobile phones in our school.
This decision was informed by compelling, emerging evidence from numerous scientific studies, including projects in Spain, Australia, Scandinavia, Leeds Becket University and by the London School of Economics, on the effect of mobile phones on young people and their performance in schools.
The research suggested that a complete ban on mobile phones in schools can help students to focus on their education, limit poor behaviour and help to create a calmer school environment.
Research also suggests that there are positive effects on young people’s mental health by banning phones at school and that separating young people from their devices can dampen down social media pressures, online bullying and incidents of sexual harassment.
Research at Leeds Becket University which examined phone use among students aged 11-18, found that:
- 96% of those surveyed said that they checked their phones every two minutes
- 85% said they spent between four and six hours a day online
- 67% said they were getting between two and four hours of sleep a night because of their addiction to mobile phones.
Research in the journal Current Problems of Psychiatry notes that individuals who engage in high levels of mobile phone use often experience stress, anger and anxiety when they can’t get to their phone.
Mobile addiction not only has physical effects but also psychological. Sleep deficit, anxiety, stress, and depression, which are all associated with internet abuse, have been related to mobile phone usage too.
The specifics
Mobile phones are not permitted in school, at any point during the day, unless used with permission in main reception, should there be a need to contact a family member, for example.
If a student is seen with a mobile phone at any point during the day, the phone will be confiscated and a demerit will be issued. Phones will be left at main reception to be collected at the end of the day.
