The “Phone-Free School” Campaign – An Open Letter

(If you are a school leader & wish to add your name to this letter, please get in touch with us.)

“Mobile phones have changed day-to-day life for almost everyone in the country in the past 30 years, and the rise of the smartphone in the latter part of that period has been a major disruptor in society, nowhere more-so than in schools.

We believe that these devices can be corrosive to otherwise calm and structured learning environments, and that a firm policy against their use is the best way for schools to maintain order in the pace of the disruption that mobile phones can cause.

Because of this we pledge to implement, continue, or encourage a policy of ‘phone-free schools’. Specifically, we all agree that for pupils in Year 11 or below mobile phones should not be used, seen or heard at any point, anywhere on the school site. Breaches of this rule, without expressed permission in exceptional circumstances, will be sanctioned in line with the school’s usual disciplinary procedures.

The government is right to not give a firm ruling on this issue; the matter is for headteachers to decide upon. However, we encourage all school leaders to seriously consider the positive impact that following this policy could bring, and the learning that is lost when pupils are distracted by these devices – not to mention the issues caused by social media and other applications.

Mobile phones open up a wondrous sense of opportunity, and they have in many ways made our lives much better. But there is no place for them in schools, and we encourage parents, teachers and school leaders to recognise that fact and act accordingly.”