A leading Harrogate independent school has launched new technology to limit pupils' access to their smartphones in the school day.
The initiative at Ashville College sees pupils in the Senior School secure their phones in pouches from the first bell of the day to the last.
It marks another major step forward in Ashville’s commitment to becoming mobile-free.
It had already introduced policies restricting use of mobile phones during the school day – pupils in Years 6 to 11 hand in their devices at the start of each day while older children are expected to switch them off.
Ashville is now using new technology, with each child given a lockable phone pouch.
Secured on arrival, it can only be opened again by tapping it on an automated deactivation device at the end of the school day.
The patented system, developed by Yondr, allows each pupil to retain possession of their device – but without being able to use it inside a restricted area.
In schools where this technology has been introduced, the company reports that 83% saw an improvement in pupil engagement, 74% recorded an improvement in pupils’ behaviour and 65% noted an increase in academic achievement.
Head of Ashville, Rhiannon Wilkinson, said:
“We want all our pupils to experience the focus, creativity, and relief that comes with a phone-free education.
“Introducing this system reflects Ashville’s commitment to integrating the latest technology into both lessons and school life – but with an element of control which could help filter out some of the more negative aspects of cyberspace.”
She added:
“For example, in 2023, we issued children between Year 5 and Year 11 with the own iPads.
“The tablets allow them to be inspired by digital teaching techniques - although the software is controlled by the school and we ensure that there is always the right balance between books and screens when learning.”
However, with Ofcom figures showing that 90 per cent of children will own a smartphone by the time they are 11, easy access to age-inappropriate or violent content is an increasing risk which both parents and schools need to manage.
Around 75% of social media users aged between eight and 17 have their own accounts.
Signing up risks leading youngsters down online “rabbit holes” where algorithmic structures recommend sites which can exacerbate issues – particularly for vulnerable children with recognised problems with their mental health.
Mrs Wilkinson added:
“Confronting the ‘teenage techno world’ is something schools and parents need to do in partnership, as the impact it can have is perhaps one of the most significant challenges faced by anyone who lives or works with secondary school pupils – or sometimes even younger.
“The systems we use at Ashville already have proved largely effective but using these pouches will allow both parents and staff more confidence that the risk of both distractions and damage to young minds is being controlled as much as possible.
“We actively support all our children to acquire sensible internet habits and protect themselves online, with e-safety at the heart of both our Future Ready programme and the personal, health, social and economic (PHSE) curriculum to ensure their wellbeing.
“The focus can then be very much on enriching our pupils’ learning – and with confidence that their exposure to technology is a positive experience and not the gateway to a dark and potentially dangerous online world.”
Yondr was developed in America by online entrepreneur Graham Dugoni for use, not just in schools but in other locations where use of mobile phones can be an unwanted distraction including public venues, arenas, theatres and businesses.
Launched in 2014, the company has since become the industry leader in the creation of phone-free spaces – particular in schools where teaching staff are freed from a role as “the phone police”.
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