Our pupils work better since ban on phones

A HEADMASTER wants more schools to ban mobile phones after seeing better pupil behaviour, focus and mental health as well as less playground “drama”, bullying and truancy.

- By Chris Riches

Matt Renshaw brought in the sweeping ban last month after an invitation to 10 Downing Street to discuss talking points from the Netflix drama Adolescence.

Previously Sir John Thursby Community College, in Burnley, Lancashire, had a “cannot be seen or heard” phone policy.

But pupils must now lock them in special pouches called Yondr bags that can only be unlocked by tapping on a sensor pad as they leave school.

The school has even extended breaks, as youngsters now chat to each other more and have enrolled in science or chess clubs — or are playing more sport.

Mr Renshaw said that in modern Britain children have so many social pressures and distractions, sometimes they just need time and space to learn. He explained: “The mental health benefit is enormous. The children are no longer as distracted as they were. Nationally, it would be a good idea.