Why one school has banned phones for some pupils – but not others

Separate Rules for Year Seven Students

At Islwyn High School in Caerphilly county, students in year seven are subject to distinct phone policies compared to their older peers. While the rest of the school enjoys unrestricted phone use during breaks and lunch, these new pupils are required to store their devices in sealed pouches throughout the day. The initiative, part of a broader trial, aims to address concerns about social media’s impact on student wellbeing.

“I think you feel a little bit jealous of me,” said 13-year-old Lily, reflecting on the disparity between herself and her younger sister Ruby.

“It didn’t really bother me because I wasn’t allowed to use it in primary school,” Ruby added, showing a pragmatic attitude toward the change.

The school’s design, which already separates younger students into designated areas, made the pilot feasible, according to head teacher Jason Hicks. “It’s our responsibility as a school to do what we think is right for young people in our care,” he emphasized.

Broader Trends in Welsh Schools

Following up on this experiment, BBC Wales conducted a survey of all 204 secondary and all-age schools in Wales. The results revealed a consensus: 83 of 95 respondents reported restricting phone use during the school day. Most required devices to be kept in bags, while seven adopted a pouch system similar to Islwyn’s. A smaller number allowed phones during breaks, and twelve permitted their use at lunchtimes.

Financial considerations played a role in the pilot’s implementation. The school invested in a system where students’ phones are stored in sealed pouches, accessible only via a magnetic device at the end of the day. The cost, around £8 per student, totaled £1,700 for the entire year group. “Money’s very scarce in education but it’s fully justified,” explained Hicks.

Parents and students alike offered mixed feedback. Luke, a parent of year seven pupil Evan, praised the pilot, stating, “It wasn’t a problem for me when I was younger—you just ring the office.” However, some pupils expressed discomfort. “If the ban was introduced for everyone, I’d be ‘a bit upset,’” said Lily, noting the sudden shift felt “really weird.”

Despite positive outcomes, challenges emerged. A head teacher from Anglesey highlighted the strain on staff, stating that stricter policies “require a level of time and emotional energy that’s exhausting.” Meanwhile, one school noted that students became “more sneaky,” using phones discreetly under desks and in toilets after rules were clarified.

Most schools reported benefits like improved interactions and reduced social media conflicts. Comments included “calmer in lessons” and “less fall out between pupils during the day.” However, enforcement remains a hurdle, with concerns over fairness and parent support lingering.

Future of the Policy

With the summer term approaching, Islwyn’s governors will decide whether to expand the ban. Hicks suggested it’s “highly likely” the policy will follow the year sevens as they progress through the school. Over half of the surveyed schools indicated they had tightened restrictions in recent years, reflecting a growing trend toward limiting phone access.