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What to consider when creating your school’s mobile phone policy

• Kaley Foran provides an overview of what to consider when creating your school’s mobile phone policy...

Whatever you decide your school’s stance on mobile phones is, having a mobile phone policy in place helps you set clear expectations for everyone in your school community.

Explain why you have this policy

To manage expectations and make sure everyone adheres to your policy, it can be helpful to start by explaining to pupils, staff and parents why you have a policy on mobile phones. You should think about:

• Parents’ expectations around their children having access to mobiles.
• How you want staff, and others, to model appropriate phone use.
• Behaviour incidents related to mobile phone use.
• How you use technology in the classroom
• Safeguarding.
• Data protection.

Assign roles and responsibilities

You’ll need to decide who’s responsible for implementing and monitoring your policy and state this in the policy. Similarly, if governors are involved, you’ll need to explain how and what you expect them to do.

Consider mobile phone use by pupils

It’s up to you to decide on the approach that works best for your school. When deciding if, and how, pupils are allowed to use mobile phones at school consider:

• The age and maturity level of your pupils.
• Parents’ expectations (e.g. do they want their children to have one as they travel to and from school?).
• Are there certain groups of pupils (like young carers) that may need access to a mobile?
• Any trends in behaviour incidents or safeguarding information that may increase the risk of allowing phones in school.
• If you allow pupils to bring phones to school, are they allowed to use them during the school day? Where do you expect pupils to store them?
• If you allow pupils to use their phones during the school day, when is this allowed (e.g. only during break times). And how are they allowed to use them (e.g. no phone calls or messaging, only for games).
• How will you enforce your policy? Don’t introduce conditions that you can’t enforce, for example allowing pupils to use their phones, but then saying they can’t use social media sites.

Make a clear link between your mobile phone policy and your behaviour policies, and set clear sanctions for not adhering to the policy

Develop a code of conduct/acceptable use agreement for pupils

If you allow pupils to bring mobile phones to school, or to use them, include a detailed code of conduct or acceptable use agreement. Your code of conduct must reflect what your policy states about pupils’ use of mobile phones.

Consider mobile phone use by staff

There are no set rules. It’s up to you to decide on the approach that works best for your school. In your policy, set out how you expect staff to use, or not use, personal mobile phones around pupils. Explain that staff shouldn’t use their phones to take photos or recordings of pupils, their work, or anything else which could identify them.

When developing your policy for staff, consider:

• The age and ability of your pupils.
• How you want staff to model appropriate phone use.
• Safeguarding and data protection considerations. For instance that staff mustn’t share their personal details with parents/pupils.
• extensive lone working (such as a site manager).
• Sanctions for misuse of mobile phones (linked to the staff code of conduct and your staff disciplinary policy).

If a member of staff’s role requires use of a phone, try to provide one (rather than have staff use their personal mobiles) and set out the expectations for how it will be used. If this isn’t possible, set clear guidelines in your policy for how personal phones can be used in these situations.

Loss, theft or damage

Make it clear in your policy that the school does not take responsibility for phones that are lost, stolen or damaged. Explain how you make the disclaimer clear to everyone (for instance, by posting it in the school office or including it in your code of conduct). Include advice on keeping phones secure and explain how people can turn in lost phones.

Explain how often your policy will be reviewed, and how its impact will be monitored. For instance, through regular parent and pupil feedback, feedback from teachers and reviewing records of behaviour incidents.

Kaley Foran is a lead content editor at The Key, a provider of up-to-the-minute sector intelligence and resources that empower education leaders with the knowledge to act.

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Creating a Mobile Phone Policy in School

Author: Bethany Spencer

Posted: 21 Mar 2018

Estimated time to read: 6 mins

Almost everyone has a mobile phone. In fact, 95% of young people (aged 16-24) own a moblie phone, and that number rises year on year. We understand that introducing a Mobile Phone Policy is definitely not ‘one size fits all’ - but what should you consider when deciding how far your technology adoption will go?

Understanding your school’s technology 

Internet accessibility.

When it comes to internet use there’s a fine line between embracing technology and excluding students. However, internet access has been growing exponentially and schools are equipped with homework clubs to be inclusive for the few without access.

Before deciding how much you wish to embrace mobile phones into the school, find out about the level of access your students have. If you don’t already have this information, you can ask your students via a questionnaire. It’s easy to forget that whilst most of your staff will have a phone and contract that provides a lot of storage and data, not all students will.

Behaviour in your school

Behaviour is a vital consideration before changing your technology policy. Introducing technology into your classroom  and teaching can be a big leap for many schools who currently have a stricter technology and mobile policy. However, with clear expectations set, it is possible to find the balance .

Familiarity with technology

Has your school already adopted multiple technologies and software which are used either in class or for homework? Are students already allowed to have and use mobile phones in their breaks at school? Have you tried a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) lesson?

Understanding your school's current exposure to technology can be useful when looking into other areas you may introduce technology or mobile learning without affecting students’ outcomes. The key is to define where on the technology adoption scale your school best fits. The below examples of adoption can help you build your own mobile policy in school.

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Find the level of adoption you’re comfortable with.

Today, students are fully immersed in technology, and innovations in tech have successfully filtered into businesses near and far. The prevalence of technology everywhere today, highlights just how important it is to fully understand how to use basic tech and also how dependent on it we are as a society.

This has been reflected in schools through the introduction of Digital Literacy Learning Groups and is why when creating your Mobile Phone Policy, you need to bear in mind that in order to be reflective of everyday life, it needs to take into the consideration the unlikelihood of mobile phones ever be absent. Consider the examples of low, medium and high technology adoption in schools below to help shape your school’s Mobile Phone Policy.

Low Adoption

Low technology adoption is applicable to those schools who understand the need for students to be contactable throughout the school day and accept that technology is now a part of children’s everyday life, but don’t want to promote the use of technology within school.

Having the ability to communicate with parents and those outside of school in case of emergencies is important, and something teachers and parents value highly, however in low adoption schools, mobile phones should be used solely for these purposes. To ensure students abide by your no-phones policy in class and distractions are kept to a minimum, at the start of class have students place mobile phones in a basket at the front of the class, but trust they will use the phones in a reasonable way outside of class.

In order to integrate more technology into your low adoption without encroaching on class time, why not try introducing at-home tech activities to be carried out with parental supervision. By introducing the use of technology with students’ home-learning there will be no impact on your school’s current teaching and learning practices, however students get to use technology to enhance their learning at home.

Medium Adoption

Increased technology adoption would follow much of the above, but schools may be more lenient on use of mobile phones when not a distraction during classes. An example of this, would be schools who integrate the use of smart devices in their lesson plans under supervision, who use timetables for students and teachers, and allow sensible use during lunch and break times.

Within class, students would be held responsible for their own mobile, this will allow them to keep their phone with them, however - it would have to remain out of sight and on silent. If students are caught on their phone, or it goes off during class, time it would then be confiscated (a sanction policy with regards to mobiles would be subject to the school).

A ‘medium adoption’ policy would help support the use of apps that help students to organise their school life, for example allowing students to use timetabling apps to get them from lesson to lesson on time, something which will help their organisation and promote the use of practical tech within the school.

In an attempt to further integrate technology into the day-to-day of school life, scheduled BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) lessons could be introduced. These would allow students to use devices within the classroom, but within the parameters you set. It’s also good practice for life after school where smart technology is fully integrated, and the use of apps would also expose them to greater learning opportunities than previously offered.

As with any technological device being used within school, there is the risk of distractions. So long as your school has a strict sanctions policy in place, these can be avoided as best they can and with stringent internet restrictions, you can avoid students veering away from the intended use and outcomes of a BYOD class.

High Adoption

A higher adoption mobile phone policy would be fully accepting of students’ relationships with their mobile phones and understand these are in fact a part of everyday life and learning. This would mean students would be allowed their mobiles freely outside of lesson time, but face-to-face interactions would be strongly encouraged, strict rules around appropriate use should be in place so that technology can be integrated into lesson plans to keep students engaged.

High adoption schools could introduce iPads into lessons, this would help to bridge the ways in which students interact with learning between home and school. In order to avoid distractions within these classes, lesson plans should be planned intricately in advance with all iPads being closely monitored and app downloads and parental safety settings tracked.

Ground rules for your Mobile Phone Policy

Any level of mobile phone use in schools, whether that’s for emergency and at-home use only or for schools who fully support BYOD lessons should be monitored closely and only operate within the parameters of acceptable / appropriate use.

We’ve highlighted some of the areas you should consider for your Mobile Phone Policy to help achieve appropriate use.

• Phones, if/when not in use for teaching and learning opportunities, to only be used in staff’s free time, and never in front of students unless in case of emergency.
• Phones must be kept on silent at all times
• Staff will not contact a child from their own personal mobile; this should only be done via a school telephone. Expectations for this rule may only apply when students are on a school trip in which case teachers may need to contact students outside of school premises.
• Staff will not take photos of children on a mobile - school devices can be used for this with explicit consent.
• Staff will never send nor accept inappropriate messages or images from other staff, students or parents.
• Parents will not take photos of children on the school premises for safeguarding reasons
• Images of children will not be posted online on social media without explicit consent.
• Parents must understand that contacting children during school hours can be a distraction and if possible, to wait until break and lunch do so, unless during an emergency.
• During school hours the following uses for a mobile phone are unacceptable: SMS, Calls, Internet, Social media, photos, photo sharing, bullying, file sharing.
• Students are reminded that mobile phone bullying, intimidation or any content of a violent or sexual nature may be a criminal offence and is often traceable by the police.
• Use of mobile phones in changing rooms is forbidden
• Students are not allowed to take photos of staff
• Students must keep mobile phones on silent and in their bag, or leave mobile phones at the front of the classroom where necessary.
• When directed to use mobile phones for learning purposes, students must adhere to rules set by teachers to prevent distractions and impact to learning.
• Students must adhere to the school’s strict sanction policy and confiscation terms for inappropriate use of mobile phones. To help get you started on revising your mobile phone policy we've created an internet connectivity questionnaire that you can download for free you can also download this blog post as a PDF.

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Advice regarding mobile phone use on school trips

Taking a break from online communication is a rare privilege in this day and age. Many young people have not known a time without the pressure of constant online communication. Allowing them to disconnect from devices and connect to the world around them – and to themselves – is a gift. To maximize the benefits of their school trip abroad, students need to be free to be fully in the moment, engaging in the activities on offer and focusing on the people they are travelling with. For this reason, 

World Expeditions Schools strongly advises against the use of mobile phones during all school trips abroad.

Below, we would like to list the reasons why we think students should refrain from using their mobile phone while on an experiential learning experience.  

1 | Opportunities

Students embarking on a travel experience with World Expeditions Schools are being given the opportunity to learn important values of teamwork, to build their self-confidence and to develop an understanding of other cultures and ways of doing things. In the majority of cases, your students are travelling to a destination they have not travelled to before and are taking part in new and different activities. It’s an incredible opportunity to make long-lasting friendships with travel companions, learn new skills and understand themselves a little better. It’s no wonder that the experience often has profound, life-changing effects on students.

2 | Full Engagement

When phones are down, eyes are up, freeing students to look around and notice things. Without mobile phones, students are open to receive information from all their senses. This allows them to fully engage in the travel experience, to maximize the potential for learning and growth. At the same time, it gives them the chance to top up their creative fuel by being in tune to their own thoughts and responses in a way that is not possible when they are beholden to the phone.

3 | A Step Away from Online Communication

Being reliant on themselves and overcoming challenges they encounter during the school trip will help build resilience. By encouraging your student to step away from online communication, you are giving them the space to grow their confidence and build independence.

4 | Find Alternative Ways to Connect without Mobile Phones

Your school may wish to make arrangements to keep parents and friends in touch with how the journey is going. Alternative, more structured ways to do this are via blogs on your school’s website or via Facebook groups. This information can be updated on rest days in major towns or cities, where access to the internet is commonplace. The added benefit is that this allows for very clear lines of communication between the group, school and parents. Do you agree with our advice against the use of mobile phones on educational travel experiences? Please feel free to get in touch and chat with our team on how we can organise your next student trip .

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Home » Tips for Teachers » Want to Keep Phones in Check? Here Are 9 Rules and 8 Tips to Craft a School Cell Phone Policy That Works

Want to Keep Phones in Check? Here Are 9 Rules and 8 Tips to Craft a School Cell Phone Policy That Works

Many schools are banning students from using cell phones in class, citing distraction and interference with learning as primary concerns. This stance is understandable, as the aim is to maintain an environment conducive to education. Despite these concerns, it’s worth considering the potential benefits of integrating mobile phones into classroom activities.

Not all are convinced that prohibiting phones in schools results in improved academic performance:

potential hot take but my school allowed phones no matter what year group you were in, had free wifi, and encouraged you to use your phones in class to find information and it was one of the highest performing schools in the country, banning just makes kids want it more https://t.co/9lOF91uvNk — chloé 🌹 (@chlveh) October 2, 2023

In my own teaching experience, I’ve found that cell phones can significantly enhance learning. They serve as gateways to a wealth of information, interactive tools, and resources, instantly accessible at students’ fingertips. Instead of outright bans, a more nuanced approach involving a well-thought-out cell phone policy can strike the right balance. Such policies can delineate when and how gadgets may be used, thus harnessing their educational potential while curtailing their capacity to distract.

Imagine a classroom where cell phones become tools for interactive learning. Students could engage in real-time polls, access digital textbooks, and collaborate on projects with peers from around the world, all under the guidance of their teacher. Furthermore, mobile phones can aid in teaching digital citizenship, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the digital world responsibly.

If you’re interested in hearing more about how a cell phone policy can benefit all stakeholders at a school, keep reading! I’ll share:

• The importance of crafting a cell phone policy for schools
• Possible rules to include in your school’s cell phone policy
• Strategies for managing cell phone use in the classroom

Why We Need a Cell Phone Policy at School

Despite the number of school districts that have banned the use of cell phones in school, banning phones from school is not the right answer.

Obviously, most students are against these bans. Watch what they say about it in this video.

There are actually a number of reasons students should be allowed to use their phones in school. These include increasing the use of technology in the classroom, improving communication between teachers and students, helping students stay organized, and saving schools money by allowing students to access digital materials rather than relying so heavily on printed materials. Learn more about why students should be allowed to use cell phones in class in this article .

Developing a cell phone policy at school is essential to ensure students and teachers are able to enjoy the instructional benefits associated with using gadgets, while also ensuring that cell phones don’t become a distraction from learning.

Cell Phone Policy at School — 9 Rules

Coming up with the right rules for using cell phones in school is essential. Below, I’ve put together some rules to get you started with creating your own cell phone policy for your school or classroom. Every situation is unique, so you will want to think about your specific students and modify these rules to help them meet the needs of your building.

Cell phones may be used on school grounds before school, during lunch, and after school. Cell phone use is prohibited in classrooms, restrooms, and school offices unless otherwise stated by a teacher. During the instructional day, cell phones must remain out of sight and in silent mode. Unless explicitly allowed by a staff member, headphones and other listening devices may only be used before and after school hours. Cell phones must be placed in lockers, backpacks, or other locations away from students and their desks during tests and assessments. If students need to place an emergency phone call during the day, they should request to go to the main office to use an office phone. Students may be subject to disciplinary action if their use of their cell phones disrupts the school’s educational environment. Examples of this include, but are not limited to: cheating, bullying, harassment, unlawful recording or photographing, and violating other school rules. The school and its staff are not responsible for any damage to or theft of a student’s cell phone. Students must properly secure and take care of their own phones. Students and their parents must read the cell phone policy and return a signed copy to the office at the beginning of the school year. Signing the policy acknowledges acceptance. Students will not be permitted to have their phones at school until the signed policy is returned.

If students violate the school’s cell phone policy, the following may occur:

• First offense: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated by a staff member and held in the main office until the end of the school day. Before being allowed to pick up their phone at the end of the day, students must discuss and review the cell phone policy with a staff member.
• Second offense: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated and held in the main office until the end of the school day. The student’s parents will be contacted and informed of the refusal to follow the school’s cell phone policy. Students may pick up their phones following after-school detention.
• Third offense: The student’s cell phone will be confiscated and held in the main office until the student’s parents are able to come to pick it up. The student will receive after-school detention and will be prohibited from bringing their cell phone back on school grounds for two weeks.

**The administration reserves the right to adjust these consequences on a case-by-case basis if needed. For example, extreme behaviors that break the law or engaging in bullying or harassment of other students may result in suspension.

In addition to using the tips above to help you create a cell phone policy for your school or classroom, you can also review the policies of other schools or school districts. This can help you gain additional ideas that can help you craft a policy that will work for you and your students. To help you in this measure, I did some research and looked up the cell phone policies for a few different schools and districts.

• Ferndale Schools, Michigan
• Barbour County, West Virginia
• Pasco County Schools, Florida
• Bainbridge High School, Washington

How to Maintain Cell Phone Management in the Classroom — 6 Tips for Teachers

Having a cell phone policy in place is just the first step. Proper management of your policy and gadget use in your classroom is also essential. Use the tips below to help you manage cell phone use in your classroom. This will help ensure students are using mobile phones in ways that will benefit their learning, not ways that will detract from it.

1. Purchase or Make Your Own Cell Phone Charging Station

A cell phone charging station and storage organizer can provide students with an acceptable place to keep their phones when they are not needed for instruction. You can add charging cables or allow students to bring their own chargers, to ensure their phones are ready to use when needed for instruction.

You can learn more about cell phone charging stations and storage organizers here. For those who prefer doing something with their own hands, I recommend finding some DIY ideas here .

2. Use a Pocket Chart or Hanging Shoe Organizer

To enhance the organization, label each pocket on the storage organizer with a number, corresponding to a student’s assigned seat or roll call number. Upon entering the classroom, students are to deposit their cell phones into their individually assigned slots.

This system not only facilitates an orderly way to manage the devices but also significantly reduces the temptation for students to use their phones during lesson time, thereby minimizing distractions. Furthermore, it streamlines the process of collecting and returning phones, making it efficient for both teachers and students, and maintains a focused learning environment .

3. Create a “Cell Phone Jail”

Establish a classroom “cell phone jail” as a creative way to enforce the cell phone policy. Should a student be caught using their device during prohibited times, instruct them to surrender their phone to this designated area. The “jail” serves as a temporary holding spot for gadgets, ensuring that they remain untouched for the duration of the class.

This method not only reinforces the rules regarding cell phone usage but also acts as a deterrent for future infractions. It’s an effective classroom management tool that helps maintain focus and order , keeping students engaged in the lesson rather than their screens.

4. Use Positive Reinforcement

Implement a positive reinforcement strategy in your classroom to encourage adherence to the cell phone policy. Acknowledge and reward students who consistently comply with the rules regarding phone usage. This could be through verbal praise, a points system, or small privileges, like being first in line or a homework pass.

Such incentives not only promote a disciplined approach to mobile phone use but also foster an environment where positive behaviors are celebrated . This method shifts the focus from punishment to recognition, motivating students to self-regulate their phone activity and reinforcing the importance of being present and engaged during class time.

5. Create a Classroom Signal for Cell Phone Use

Sometimes students need to use their cell phones just for a moment to look up an unknown word, find a synonym, or review a topic. There may be times when you’re willing to permit such use  and other times when you’re not, such as during a test.

Create a classroom hand signal that students can use to ask for permission without disrupting instruction or other students who are working. You can either give them a thumbs up to go ahead and use their phone or a thumbs down to let them know that now is not an acceptable time to have it out.

6. Work in a Few Cell Phone Breaks During the Day

Consider implementing structured cell phone breaks during class sessions, allocating two to three minutes for students to freely use their devices. This brief respite not only acknowledges their desire to stay connected but can significantly diminish the urge to covertly check their phones.

By doing so, you’re likely to see a notable decrease in mid-lesson distractions, resulting in a more concentrated and engaged classroom environment. These scheduled pauses can serve as a compromise that upholds the integrity of instructional time while respecting students’ social needs, striking a balance between educational focus and digital life.

7. Integrate Cell Phones into Learning Activities

Incorporate cell phone usage into your curriculum thoughtfully by leveraging educational apps, facilitating research for projects, or engaging students with interactive polls during discussions. This method acknowledges the educational potential within students’ devices, turning them into tools for active learning. It offers a practical framework for students to interact with technology in a guided, purposeful manner.

By blending traditional teaching with modern tech, you create an interactive and dynamic classroom atmosphere, fostering digital literacy and responsible device management . Such intentional integration demonstrates to students the constructive capabilities of their cell phones, enhancing the educational experience.

8. Establish a Classroom Tech Support Team

Empower students by forming a classroom ‘Tech Support’ team, assigned to oversee the charging station’s operation, provide assistance for tech-related problems, and monitor appropriate cell phone usage during lessons. This initiative fosters a sense of responsibility and community , as team members take pride in maintaining an orderly and functional learning space.

It encourages a collaborative environment where students become stewards of their technology, developing practical skills and respect for their collective educational setting. This involvement can transform the way students perceive and use their devices, enhancing the classroom’s digital literacy and management.

Useful Resources

• In pursuit of a cell phone policy
• Cell phone policies: a review of Where Faculty Stand
• 7 classroom management techniques that really work
• 17 Online Classroom Management Courses
• 20 digital tools for classroom for innovative teachers & students

Closing Thoughts

The right cell phone policy at school can help students learn and reduce distractions. When students are able to use their phones appropriately during instruction, they can be powerful technological tools for researching, engaging with a lesson, providing feedback to peers, participating in classroom surveys, and more. The best cell phone policies also prevent students from pulling out their phones during inappropriate times, which can distract them from learning. Are you ready to use what you learned and begin crafting a cell phone policy that will work for your students?

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How do you stop students from texting when they have their phone out for instruction? I try to incorporate the use of cell phones into some of my lessons and have my students use their phones for educational apps or to answer poling questions, but I know some of them are still texting their friends rather than completely focusing on instruction.

Make it clear to your students that you’ll only be able to continue using cell phones in class if they use them as is directed. If you haven’t made your cell phone policy clear to your students, now is a good time to review the consequences for improper use of cell phones during the school day. You can also consider designating a few minutes of each class period where students can send a text, since this may help them remain focused during the rest of instruction.

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cell phones are just a waste of time

not rlly a “waste” of time when you give out clear instructions. maybe if teachers were clear about it then they wouldn’t have to keep reminding students about this concern. also.. what if that student has diabetes and they have to have their phone out to monitor their health? think + research before you say that they are a complete waste. they are only a waste of time because you make it that way

I have tried 1, 2, 4, and 6 of the strategies listed, and I still had chronic overuse of phones and airpods. I did some informal data analysis and found (not surprisingly) that almost every student who I had to remind often to put phones away ended the 21-22 school year with a D or F in my class. I grade for mastery, not behavior, but it’s clear that you cannot gain mastery of a subject if you are constantly on your phone. Our school has a no cell phone use during the day policy, but it is NEVER enforced by the administrators- all of the enforcement is left to teachers. Without explicit backup and consequences this will never change. I recognize that phones are just a part of life now, but they are absolutely negatively impacting our children’s brains and ability to learn. Every parent and education professional should watch the documentary ‘Childhood 2.0’. It is heartbreaking and shocking. I wish there was a way for schools to block access to everything on phones except for the ability for parents to contact them- that’s why parents push back on cell phone bans. I totally get the need to be in touch with one’s children. I am just at a loss and not looking forward to the coming school year and the constant game of whack-a-mole.

Interesting thoughts. Thanks for the recommendation I’ll watch.

Did your cell phone battle improve last year? This 2023-2024 year will be my second year teaching high school. I taught previously in middle school for 18 years.

Cell phones are among my biggest challenge and a major part of student disengagement. Even with a school-wide cell phone policy, it is not really enforced. I could spend large amounts of time and energy patrolling and keeping track of cell phone abuse in my classroom, but it has gotten ridiculous! I don’t know what to do. Students don’t respond to positive or negative reinforcement strategies. I was even considering a cell phone signal blocking device, but it is against FCC regulations and I could lose my job.

I have known some teachers tell their students they are able to see anything they send when using the school wifi. Our school has very poor signal, so using the wifi is the best option, plus it saves their data. During a different lesson where phones are used she will remind them of this rule and will say something like, “last time you guys were able to use phones I logged into the system and was able to see texts involving ______ I wasn’t kidding about being able to read text or know what websites you visit.” As far as I know it wasn’t true, but it sounded close enough to topics they have been discussing, and knew best than to text. However, there’s always a student that tries to prove the teacher wrong and will do it on purpose to see if they get caught.

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Using phones and digital technology for school trips

2018-01-04T12:30:00+00:00

We look at ways to teach children about internet safety as well as methods to incorporate the use of phones, apps and the internet in a positive manner, with educational benefits when on school trips.

A report released today by Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield, has suggested that children between the ages of eight and 12 find the impact of social media difficult when moving to Secondary school. 

Longfield has called on the Government to introduce compulsory digital literacy lessons for Year 6 and 7 pupils in order to prepare them for the emotional side of social media. The warning has highlighted the importance of not only making children more aware of the risks of social media, but also preparing them for the transition to Secondary school. 

It also raises the question of how phones and technology can be used in a positive way for educational purposes, such as school trips. We look at a selection of apps to help pupils get the most out of school trips, as well as attractions that offer internet safety education.

Teaching children about internet safety

The importance of internet safety cannot be ignored and there many centres which can teach children about the various risks of using phones and the internet.

The Sutton Life Centre , in South London, offers workshops on Internet Safety, suitable for Key Stages 2 and 3, which is the age in which a majority of children tend to start using phones especially with the move from Primary to Secondary school.

The Safety Centre , also known as Hazard Alley, in Milton Keynes is another attraction which offers visits and presentations linked to internet safety, among other topics such as road safety and fire safety. The interactive facility provides children with real life situations, and during a internet themed visit, pupils will watch a video presentation about social media and the dangers of being online.

Attractions with apps

Using the internet doesn’t always need to be considered dangerous and negative; there are ways in which students can use their phones for educational purposes too.

An example of this is the England’s Historic Cities app. The free app can be downloaded on phones, meaning it can be accessed by pupils on a school trip to aid learning outcomes. The app can be used in 12 locations in England and allows pupils to explore the secrets of some of history’s most fascinating characters through digital channels before, during and after their visits. The cities that the app can be used in are: Bath, Canterbury, Cambridge, Carlisle, Chester, Durham, Greenwich, Lancaster, Lincoln, Oxford, Salisbury, Stratford-upon-Avon and York. The app can be accessed and downloaded here.

The Alice Town Trails in Llandudno give pupils the chance to explore Llandudno’s ties to Alice in Wonderland, as well as provide a number of games so that the class can interact with the story. Each trail is accompanied with its own app that will allow pupils to meet 3D characters from the story on their journey, whilst learning interesting facts about the landmarks visited through audio commentary.

Apps for school travel

Duolingo is a good app for learning another language, which could be ideal for students going on a trip abroad. The app offers fun games involving listening, reading and speaking tests, which are available in a number of languages.

Google Maps may sound like an obvious choice, but it could come in handy when on a school trip, especially with one where students are allowed to roam. With live updates, the app can act like a satnav and help navigate students and teachers to their destinations.

The use of mobiles, the internet and social media among the younger generation is inevitable, however preparing pupils and allowing them to engage with different medias will help them make better decisions when it comes to going online. The use of educational apps on school trips allows them to take in what they are learning in a more relatable way and gives them more responsibility as well as helps them be more confident.

How do you use digital technology in a positive way for school trips and learning outside the classroom? Let us know to share with other teachers, contact [email protected] .

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Mobile phone policy: model and examples

Adapt our model mobile phone policy to suit your school, or use our checklist to help you write your own. see examples of policies from other schools on the use of mobile phones by pupils, staff, parents/carers, visitors and volunteers., download our model policy, template policy summary for visitors, use our guidance to decide your school's approach to mobile phone use for pupils, examples of policies:.

The DfE's non-statutory guidance on the use of  mobile phones in schools  and  behaviour in schools  say that schools should develop, implement and publish a policy that bans the use of mobile phones or similar devices in school. 

Early years providers  must cover the use of mobile phones and cameras  in their safeguarding policies. For other settings, the mobile phone policy can be a standalone document, or can be included in the school's behaviour policy.

Use our model for a standalone mobile phone policy to save you time and help you set clear expectations for everyone in your school community. 

Approved by Forbes Solicitors , the policy meets the requirements laid out in the guidance and covers pupils, staff, parents/carers, visitors and volunteers. 

It includes:

• A model code of conduct/acceptable use agreement for pupils who can bring their phones to school due to extenuating circumstances
• Template permission forms for bringing mobile phones to school

Model policy: mobile phones

For more model policies, visit  our Policy Expert page .

If you'd rather write your own policy, and just need to know what you should cover, use our checklist to help you:

KeyDoc: mobile phone policy checklist  

Use our tear-and-share template policy summary to make sure all visitors know your policy on using mobile phones. 

Give it to them when they sign in, so you can enforce your policy consistently and keep pupils safe.

KeyDoc: mobile phone policy summary sheet for visitors

The DfE has explained that it's best practice to ban the use of mobile phones in school, in its non-statutory  guidance on mobile phone use . Get to grips with the different approaches to managing mobile phone use and choose which one is best for your school.

Keep safeguarding at the front of your mind

Consider that some children may use their phones or other devices to bully or sexually harass their peers, or view and share indecent images or other harmful content while at school. 

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023  (paragraph 138) says you should develop your approach to the use of mobile phones and other smart technology with this in mind, though that doesn't mean that you're required to ban the use of phones or internet for pupils at school.

Please note that the following policies may not have been updated with the new guidance in mind.

Voluntary controlled primary school in Kent

Goudhurst and Kilndown Church of England Primary School  has a mobile technology and smart media technology policy  that says:

• All members of the school community should use a password or PIN to prevent unauthorised access to their personal devices

Voluntary aided primary school in Rochdale

St. John's Church of England Thornham Primary School has a mobile phone policy that says:

• Pupils in years 5 and 6 are allowed to bring mobile phones to school if they walk to school independently
• Staff must not make or receive calls or texts during contact time with pupils

Secondary academy in Lewisham

Haberdashers' Knights Academy has a mobile phone and devices policy which allows pupils to bring phones into school but says:

• Devices should be switched off while pupils are on the premises
• Expensive devices should not be brought into school

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Senior School Mobile Phone Policy 

This policy should be read in conjunction with the e-safety policy , Staff ICT Code of Conduct  and the  anti-bullying policy

This policy is for the protection and educational welfare of all children in the senior school.

Wimbledon High School remains committed to staff and students embracing the use of technology to support teaching and learning across the school. It is important to ensure that appropriate use supports the core values of the school and does not undermine the importance of developing strong interpersonal communication. These guidelines, along with the Ten Golden Rules , and the GDST Online Safety Policy , aim to promote safe, respectful and responsible use of mobile devices to the benefit of the whole WHS community.

The central aim of the policy is to ensure that, although it is accepted that staff and Sixth Form students can carry a mobile device during the normal school day, their use remains private and not visible . Devices should always be kept on silent or switched off (the exception being those staff on emergency call/duty). 

The following guidelines are to be followed by all members of the School community including staff and students . Staff must lead by example.

Definitions

Devices - Laptops and tablets provided to staff and students for their work and learning, and laptops brought to school under our Bring Your Own Device programme. 

Phones - mobile phones of any kind, but particularly smartphones or tablet devices used for recreation and out of school activities. 

Respectful use

• Mobile devices must not be used or visible when moving around the school site.
• Headphones should never be worn when moving around site unless in relation to a neurodivergent student. 
• Students in the Lower and Middle Schools should have their phones off all day and leave them in their lockers. Lower School students must have placed their phones in their Phone Away Locker by 8.40am. The only exception to this rule is for Year 11 Students. Year 11 Lockers are located in the Year 11 Common Room. To reflect their position in the School Community, and therefore their level of maturity and responsibility, Year 11 Students are allowed to use their phones in their Common Room. This privilege can be removed however if it is abused by a member or members of the year group. 
• Students in the Sixth Form can have their phones on their person and are allowed to use them within designated Sixth Form spaces (Cafe Sixth, Common & Quiet Rooms). 
• Mobile phones should not be used within the classroom with Lower and Middle School students. Sixth Formers may use their devices in their lessons but only under explicit instruction, or with the permission of, their teacher. 
• Sixth Formers may use their mobile phones in their form rooms and classrooms (in between lessons) as an extention of the Sixth Form Centre. Tutors and Sixth Form Teachers should use their professional judgement to ensure Sixth Formers are using their phones in the spirit of being role models for younger students. 
• Good digital etiquette should be followed at all times, according to the Ten Golden Rules.
• Misuse of a mobile phone will result in sanctions, from behaviour points and confiscation, to detentions and letters home. Please refer to the Behaviour Policy.

Prohibited phone use across the school site, outside of lesson time, will be met with the following sanctions within a half term period:

• First offence : Confiscation (put in the Lock Away Box at Senior Reception) plus a behaviour point. Phone collected at the end of the school day.
• Second offence : Confiscation plus 2 Behaviour Points which automatically triggers a Senior School Detention with parental contact.
• Third offence : Confiscation plus 1 additional Behaviour Point. Four Behaviour Points automatically trigger an Assistant Head Detention with parental meeting to review the student’s behaviour. 

Process of confiscation & sanction: 

• Phone is confiscated by member of staff & name of student is taken.
• Member of staff to drop phone at Senior Reception as soon as possible. 
• Senior Reception places phone in secure lock box. 
• Senior Reception informs PA to Senior Deputy Head of student name and staff member involved. 
• PA to Senior Deputy Head records behaviour point on PBS. 

Responsible use

• All use of mobile phones will take place in accordance with the law and other appropriate school policies, including Anti-Bullying, Behaviour, Safeguarding and Online Safety
• Mobile phones must be equipped with a security code to prevent unauthorised usage or have a limit to the value or number of calls that can be made.
• If it is reasonably suspected that inappropriate use of a mobile phone has occurred such as to bully or threaten, a member of staff may ask a pupil to reveal a message or other content. Students found to have been disrespectful or abusive to others using a mobile device will be sanctioned.
• If a mobile phone is being used inappropriately a member of staff will confiscate it and hand it to the Senior Reception, from whom the student will collect it at the end of the school day. They may also expect to receive a behaviour point. A repeated confiscations in a half term period will result in a Friday detention and communication home. 
• The School cannot be responsible for insuring the private property of pupils;  insurance must be arranged as part of the parents' domestic insurance.
• Staff must lead by example and not use their mobile phones to either receive calls or check emails around the school site. There are reasonable exceptions to this within the working of the school for example for safeguarding and or medical emergencies, for staff communicating in locations that lack a phone e.g. examinations or during a fixture at Nursery Road. 
• Some students may be exempt from using their locker in the Lower School for medical or pastoral reasons. These students will be noted and staff informed. 
• Students and staff are reminded of the illegal nature of sending explicit images of themselves or others and such cases will be dealt with appropriately using child protection and safeguarding procedures, including informing the authorities as necessary.
• Students and staff must ensure that files stored on their phones do not contain violent, degrading, racist, homophobic, transphobic or pornographic images. The transmission of such images can be a criminal offence.
• Students are strongly encouraged not to communicate with individuals unless they are known to them.
• Students and parents are required to abide by legal regulation of social media platforms. Students found using these platforms on school site, contrary to these age restrictions, will receive an at least a Friday detention and communication home. 

Under the Data Protection Act 1998, the school always seeks parental consent to take photographs and use DVD to record pupils. These consent forms are stored in the school office. Class teachers are informed at the start of each year and at times when these permissions have been changed, of the children in their care who have limitations on the use of their photograph and this list is available in the staff information section on firefly.

· Photographs taken at school are stored on the school computer system which is password protected individually for each member of staff.

· The school digital camera/s or memory cards do not leave the school. The exception to this is when the children are out of school on a visit.

· Photos are printed in school by staff and images are then removed from the cameras.

· Events such as sports day, Christmas and fundraising events may be recorded by DVD and photographed by staff and parent/carers but always in full view of all attending.

· When children are out on a visit personal mobile phones can be used for emergency contact.

· Staff are permitted to make personal calls during their break times in a location that is not populated by students, and in cases emergency calls can be directed to the Senior School Reception.

· No parent should be permitted to take photos on personal devices nor should take photos of staff without seeking their permission.

For parents

This policy applies to all parents of students in the Senior School

• There is no requirement or expectation for any student to have a mobile phone in school. 
• Should your daughter need to contact you during the working day whilst your daughter is in lessons or an activity (and thus unable to use her 'phone), or indeed you her, then it should be done via the school reception.
• When girls are away on fixtures, staff will be provided with school mobile phones and keep you updated if they are going to be significantly delayed. Staff will give permission to your daughters to make a call to you if they feel it is necessary.
• We would discourage parents from providing their daughter with a valuable phone as it is unnecessary. Students will be entirely responsible for looking after their phones; lockers are provided for this purpose.
• Certain school trips, in particular team-building and or activity residentials, will have an automatic phone ban which we would ask parents to respect unless there are extenuating safeguarding circumstances that have been arranged with the Pastoral Leadership Team. 
• During residential trips we ask parents to not communicate with their daughters via mobile devices. In case of emergency, parents should follow the trip procedures and contact the Trip Leader via Senior Management at school. We ask parents to reinforce to their children to speak to the Trip Leader in the first instance, as they act as in loco parentis , if they have any concerns during the duration of the trip. 

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• Mobile Phones Policy

The safeguarding of pupils at Southgate School is paramount.

The following policy relates to all mobile devices and outlines the procedures and processes to be followed by pupils, staff and visitors.

Policy Menu

• Absconding Policy
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• Safeguarding Policy -Addendum – Covid 19 (PDF Only)
• Site Security Policy
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• Staff Code Of Conduct (pdf)

Mobile Phones Policy.

The safeguarding of pupils at Southgate School is paramount. Mobile phones (and other portable devices) are susceptible to misuse, and can be used to access and distribute indecent content. They are also responsible for cyber bullying and the exploitation of vulnerable young people. Along with the disruptions and distractions they cause, Southgate School discourage pupils from bringing mobile phones and portable media devices to school. In this policy, the term mobile phone is used to cover all portable devices.

• In the rare event a mobile phone is required to be brought into school, pupils will hand the phone over to a member of group staff as soon as they enter the school. The phone must be switched off and will be locked away in a cupboard until the end of the day.
• Pupils in possession of mobile phones during the day will not receive any reward points or merits until the phone is handed over.
• If the phone is being used inappropriately (e.g. taking photos and videos), it may be removed from the pupil for an indefinite period. In some circumstances, the pupil(s) may be referred to the police.
• Pupils are not allowed to have mobile phones on school trips or residentials.
• If parents/ carers need to contact their children urgently, they should phone the school office and a message can be relayed promptly.
• Staff are not permitted to make/ receive calls/ texts during contact time with children. Phones will be switched off and out of sight.
• Staff will not use mobile phones for personal reasons in any spaces where pupils are present.
• We advise staff to securely protect access to functions of their phone.
• In exceptional circumstances (e.g. sick relative), staff may keep their phone on them to receive emergency calls. In such cases, permission must be granted from the headteacher.
• Staff are not permitted to take recordings or photos of pupils unless using school equipment.
• Personal mobiles are not to be used for work related purposes unless there is a specific agreement with the headteacher. The school has its own mobiles for such purposes.

Visitors, Volunteers, Governors and Contractors:

• All visitors, volunteers, governors and contractors are expected to follow our mobile phone policy as it relates to staff while they are on the premises.
• Such visitors will be informed of our expectations regarding mobile phones when deemed necessary.

Parents/ Carers:

• While we would prefer parents not to use their phones while at Southgate School, we recognise the difficulties in regulating this. We therefore ask that their usage of mobile phones is courteous and appropriate to a school environment.
• Parents/ carers are welcome to photograph or video school events. We insist that these images/ videos are not published (e.g. Facebook etc.) if they include any children who are not their own.

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Legislation on public school cell phone use policy heads to ohio gov. dewine.

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Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will have 10 days to sign or veto a bill that would require all public schools in the state to create a cell phone use policy for school hours.

House Bill 250 passed both chambers in Ohio unanimously this week.

The bill would also require the Education Department to set a model policy that schools can choose to use.

If DeWine signs the bill, it will take effect 90 days from the date it is signed.

A growing number of districts in Greater Cincinnati are embracing cell phone restrictions, with school leaders saying limitations — or even bans — lead to better grades and fewer disciplinary issues.

During a forum in Colerain Township last month, Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted listened as leaders from school districts like West Clermont, Deer Park and Northwest Local talked about the impact mindless social media scrolling has had on students.

"We're just discovering the harms that these smart phones and social media apps are doing to our kids," Husted said. "So we're now just in the learning phase of what policies we need to build to improve things."