Ofsted had deemed the behaviour of students as “disrespectful and disruptive” during an inspection in 2022.
Distraction
Students were feeling extreme pressure to be updating their social media feeds and responding to notifications during school hours. They were distracted during lessons, or truanting lessons in order to respond to others.
Extreme content
Children were being exposed to unmonitored content which could cause distress.
Social interactions are more positive and a reduction in cyber bullying. The school is noticing there are less reports of cyber bullying, and social times feel calmer. Students have commented that they find it easier to engage with their peers now.
Concentration in lessons has improved. Staff have noted that students are more focussed in lessons and are able to engage better in the big thinking.
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“I was really noticing the impact these phones were having on children’s mental health. The number of notifications they’re getting. The need to respond to things. The pressure to delete posts if they don’t get enough likes. It’s having a huge impact on the way they perceive themselves. They need to get “likes” to feel like they have a place in the world. But now, we are already starting to see students not bringing their phones to school at all. They say there’s no point, because they’re not allowed. It’s had a hugely positive impact.”
Kirsty Rogers, Headteacher, Aureus School
Oxfordshire
Policy
Smartphones put in Yondr pouches for the school day.
Date policy implemented
September 2024
Pupil demographics
Number of pupils: 589
Age-range: 11-16
Pupils eligible for free school meals: 31.2%
English as an additional language: 16.0%
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