11 February 2024

 

Dear Parents and Carers

 

Subject: Limits on Mobile Phone Use by Year 8 Pupils

 

I am writing to inform you of an important change to mobile phone use for all Year 8 pupils. From Monday 24 February year 8 pupils will not be able to access their mobile devices during the school day.  They must hand in their devices on arrival and collect upon leaving the school building. The devices will be kept in a secure box during the day. This change, which is an extension of our Primary and Year 7 approach, is designed to protect children and reduce the risks presented from social media. It is also designed to improve pupil wellbeing and attendance.

 

As you will have seen in the media there has been an increasing debate about mobile phones in schools since the Government issued its guidance earlier this year. There is a lot of concern about the amount of time pupils are spending on mobile phones, the distractions that this causes in school and the very real dangers of social media.  Since September we have had to deal with a growing number of issues regarding pupils’ misuse of mobile phones, with the most recent resulting in police action. We have therefore reviewed our approach to mobile phone use.

 

I would like to take this opportunity to explain the new expectations for your child in year 8 which is the same as for Primary and Year 7 pupils. This means that your child’s devices will be available for transport and in case of emergencies but will be handed in at reception and stored securely until the end of the day.   If you need to contact your child during the school day, please ring the school office and we will be able to get a message to them. 

 

We appreciate your support with this matter.

 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

 

 

Les Milton

Headteacher