Since the introduction of a mobile phone ban during the school day in September 2024, Earlscliffe has witnessed a significant positive shift in student behavior and well-being.
Feedback from students has highlighted key benefits of the initiative, including an increase in face-to-face conversations, reduced feelings of FOMO (fear of missing out) and noticeable improvements in concentration levels.
According to students, the initiative has fostered a more engaging and focused learning environment. Many have reported feeling less distracted and more present in their daily interactions, contributing to a stronger sense of community within the school.
The Yondr programme, which Earlscliffe has implemented, works by having students place their mobile phones inside a pouch upon arrival at School House which is then magnetically locked but remains in their possession throughout the day. Statistics from the Yondr website report that 83% of schools using the pouches have seen an improvement in student engagement in the classroom, while 65% have reported an improvement in academic performance.
Niall Johnson, Deputy Head (Academic) shared his thoughts on the success of the phone ban, stating, “What was really impressive was the positive reaction by the whole community to this initiative. Parents emailed in their support and, most importantly, the students embraced the idea of not having their phones throughout the school day from day one. The students benefited from the outcomes that I read about whilst researching the idea, improvements in their levels of concentration, greater sociability during breaks and lunchtimes and a feeling of being present more.”
We are incredibly proud of our students for their maturity in adapting to the change. One student even remarked that the initiative has “made the school a better place,” highlighting the success of the community-driven effort.
With the positive feedback and improved student engagement, Earlscliffe’s mobile phone ban stands as a testament to the benefits of reducing digital distractions during the school day.
Categories: General News