Ascot's St George's School's new phone-free policy

St George's School in Ascot, has introduced Yondr mobile device pouches to support pupil wellbeing and holistic development.

The school became completely phone-free for pupils in Years 7 to 11 during the working day. This decision aligns with the government's policy changes regarding mobile phone use in schools.

Pupils in Years 9 to 11 are responsible for looking after their own devices, which are stored in the Yondr pouches. The magnetic pouches securely store pupils’ mobile phones, remaining locked until the end of the school day.

Helen Simpson, deputy head (pastoral), said the school is 'embracing this positive change which aims to support girls in minimising distractions and maximising their learning potential.'

She added: "We hope that this will simplify the school day, with improved relationships between pupils and a healthier approach to managing time online.

"In schools that have already introduced the initiative, parents and teachers have been extremely pleased with the impact, and the pupils have adapted swiftly to the ‘new normal’; our girls have been quick to embrace these changes so far."

St George's decision to introduce Yondr pouches was motivated by the school's aim to empower pupils to navigate the pervasive influence of technology responsibly.

By providing a structured approach to managing device usage, St George's intends to mitigate the negative effects of excessive screen time and encourage a healthier relationship with technology.

Research by the University of Cambridge revealed that 48 per cent of British teenagers feel addicted to social media.

Teenagers have reported that mobile phone usage and social media are common sources of anxiety, leading to sleep disturbances and disengagement from school.

According to research by Yondr, more than 80 per cent of schools using the pouches see an improvement in student mental health and engagement.

More than 65 per cent report better behaviour and academic results.