Kingswood Goes Phone-Free

In response to research that excessive screen time, particularly on smartphones, can have detrimental effects on children’s cognitive and emotional development, Kingswood School, Bath, has introduced a phone-free policy using technology from Yondr.

Pupils in Years 7-11 have a Yondr pouch to store their phones for the duration of the school day. The pouch is locked magnetically, so pupils are in possession of their phone but are spared from the distraction it poses. Unlocking bases are placed at the main entry points of the school, upon which pupils simply tap their pouches to release their phones ready for their journey home.

Government guidance issued in February 2024 instructed all schools to adopt a ‘phone free’ policy, which prompted a full review at Kingswood. Co- Head of Middle School, Mrs Sarah Herlinger, said: ‘Whilst we did already have this rule in place, we found the temptation to have a quick glance of their phone was too much for many of our pupils. Science informs us that a smartphone is designed and programmed to be addictive – it actively seeks to undermine one’s ability to self-regulate. We decided it was our responsibility to take the onus off the pupils by removing the temptation entirely.’

The school conducted a survey prior to implementation of the Yondr pouches which found that most of the parent community were on board with the plans and felt it was a positive step forward for their children. The pupils had more reservations, with 77 percent saying they did not welcome stricter rules surrounding their phone use.

Sarah said: ‘We understood that this would be a difficult transition for some pupils, especially those further through their school journey, who were accustomed to accessing their phones during the day. Of course, we aimed to be as reassuring as possible, understanding that this was challenging for many young people and their families.’

One term since launch, some observations have been made by teaching staff members. They have reported that pupils stay in lessons more consistently, with fewer interruptions. Sarah said: ‘We suspect pupils may have been tempted to use the bathroom as a way to check their phone or respond to a notification, and this temptation is no longer there.’

Library staff members reported that unsupervised ‘free time’ has completely transformed. Previously pupils could be found in the library huddled around a phone, now pupils can be found playing Uno, Dobble and Chess.

Sarah concludes: ‘Even after the school day has finished, and pupils have collected their mobile phones, we can see a culture shift emerging, as they continue to enjoy more traditional pastimes and face-to-face socialising. Being phone-free has naturally fallen into the rhythm of the school day and initial pupil reservations seem to have been dispelled. Young people are wonderfully receptive to change, and many have commented that they can’t remember the school day with their phones.’

Year 10 pupils, Pippa and Ollie, said: ‘The main positive is that everyone’s a bit more sociable, speaking more in person. I’d also say I feel less stressed – it’s one less thing to juggle. It takes away the temptation of opening apps or responding to notifications.’