Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) has praised the county's approach to phone-free education, as the campaign reaches a significant milestone.
Dan Price, Cheshire PCC and Cheshire mayoral candidate, said Cheshire is 'leading the way on Esther Ghey’s Phone Free Education campaign', which aims to encourage schools to adopt stronger restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day.
Mr Price said that '92 per cent of state high schools' in the county have now committed to using lockable phone pouches school year, to stop pupils being able to access their phones during the school day.
He says that this was possible due to '£150,000 of funding from the PCC, as well as additional funding from the Duke of Westminster'.
This milestone comes as the government have announced it will strengthen statutory guidance on mobile phone usage in schools from next September, with schools encouraged to adopt more robust rules earlier than this where possible.
The government suggests that schools should go beyond the current typical policy of 'not seen, not heard', which allows phones to remain in pupils’ bags during the school day.
Education Secretary, Lucy Powell, said: “Children should not be using smartphones at any point during the school day, full stop.
“That’s why we’re strengthening our guidance to take the next leap towards truly phone-free schools.
“Schools are already leading the way. We’re backing heads and teachers with a clear message for parents and pupils: school is for learning and friendship, not scrolling.
“Alongside our curriculum reforms, this is about making school unmissable – giving every child more chances to learn, connect and thrive.”
Whilst most schools set out that phones should be not seen and not heard, only 16% of secondary pupils say that phone rules are followed all of the time.
The government say there is a need for greater clarity surrounding phone policies in schools.
Mr Price shared his enthusiasm for the government’s commitment to phone-free education.
He said: “I am delighted that our Education Secretary is committed to this [phone-free education] and I look forward to inviting Lucy to Cheshire to find out more about the difference this is making in our schools already.”
Polling published in March found that 40 per cent of children aged between nine and 16 were turning down real-world opportunities to spend time online.
The Milburn review interim report warned that disengagement can begin as early as 12 or 13 years old, with pupils saying they stayed up as late as 3am scrolling on their phones.
Meanwhile, the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) evidence found a significant international decline in reading and maths performance, alongside growing concerns about distraction for digital devices.
All of this data comes as the government has committed to a reform of secondary education, which will restore a full three-year Key Stage Three, meaning schools be expected to not start GCSE specifications early for large cohorts of pupils, or require pupils to narrow their options early.
Students will also be given more time for enrichment activities to help them develop confidence and new skills.
A consultation on safer technology practices in schools has also now launched, which will explore ways for parents, pupils and teachers to be confident that any technology used in the classroom is safe and effective.
Dame Rachel de Souza, children’s commissioner for England said: “I welcome strong action to stop phones distracting pupils and disrupting the school day.
“I know most headteachers already restrict phone use in their schools and I would like to see support for all heads to apply this important policy.
“This must be part of a bigger conversation about giving children the best possible start to life.
“We all have a responsibility to make sure young people can explore the online world safely, but they also need and want more opportunities to learn, connect and play without the need for a screen.”
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