School bans mobile phones with lockable pouches
A school has introduced a ban on mobile phones using lockable pouches, resulting in improved student well-being and focus.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
A school in Portishead has reported significant improvements in student well-being and concentration after introducing a complete ban on mobile phones using lockable pouches. Gordano School requires every student to lock their phone away in a sealed magnetic pouch as soon as they arrive, and the pouches cannot be reopened until the end of the day.
Students who were initially resistant to the ban say their lives have changed. One year 11 student said: "It changed massively. It went from me being on my phone constantly to me not now needing my phone." Another added: "I feel like you're less groggy and I feel like I slept better as well because like I find myself like I'd always be like scrolling the internet scrolling like tik tok instagram and like not doing it at school made me like get less addicted to it and I found at night I was sleeping way better and I was going to bed earlier because I wasn't just scrolling."
The head teacher described the change as "transformational", noting that focus in lessons has improved and that the mental load on students has eased because they are no longer distracted by notifications. Staff also report fewer confrontations over phones and a more positive, social atmosphere at the school.
The move comes as schools in England are now required to operate as smartphone-free environments throughout the entire day. Statutory guidance came into force at the end of June, and all schools are expected to follow it from September. Individual schools can decide how to implement the ban, but Gordano School says the lockable pouches have removed a barrier to learning and made school a more joyful place.
The policy has also become a political talking point. The future of the smartphone-free guidance may depend on who succeeds Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. Andy Burnham, a potential successor, has previously expressed support for tougher restrictions on mobile phones for young people. MP for Stroud Simon Ofer said it is about getting the balance right and working with young people, while Lib Dem MP for Yeovil Adam Dance noted that technology can be important in schools if used correctly.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | ITV |
|---|---|
| A school has been using magnetic lockable phone pouches for a year. | |
| Statutory guidance for smartphone-free schools came into force in late June, with all schools expected to follow from September. | |
| Students at the school reported improved sleep and reduced phone addiction. |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
The channel focused on the local implementation of the phone ban at Gordano School, featuring extensive student testimonials about improved sleep and reduced addiction. It also connected the story to national politics, discussing the policy's future under a potential new Prime Minister and including comments from MPs. The tone was supportive of the ban, highlighting its transformative effects.
- “It changed massively. It went from me being on my phone constantly to me not now needing my phone.”
- “I think it's been transformational what we have seen is the focus in lessons has certainly improved.”
- “It's down to individual schools to decide how to implement the phone ban but this school says these lockable pouches have not only removed a barrier to learning but also made school a more positive place to be.”
Broadcast Timeline
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