Pilot scheme to stop pupils using phones during school day begins

A pilot scheme in which pupils place their mobile phones in a magnetic pouch so they cannot be used during the school day has begun.

Nine schools will take part in the programme which will involve more than 8,000 young people across Northern Ireland until March next year.

Education Minister Paul Givan hailed the potential of the scheme during a visit to St Ronan’s College in Lurgan.

He said: “Since becoming Education Minister, I’ve taken time to carefully review the evidence and listen to the concerns of parents, teachers and school leaders about mobile phone use in schools.

“There is growing unease about the amount of time young people spend on smartphones, and research increasingly points to a link between excessive use and declining mental health among adolescents.

“In response, I committed to piloting a phone-free solution that would prevent pupils from using their devices during the school day, helping them to fully engage with learning, social interaction and all aspects of school life.”

Mr Givan said countries around the world are taking action to reduce phone use in schools.

He added: “While some schools here in Northern Ireland have already introduced their own policies, I believe we need a consistent, evidence-based approach.

“This pilot will help us understand what works best and how we can support schools to make changes that benefit pupils, boosting wellbeing, focus and academic achievement.”

After a procurement process, Odyssey Education was appointed to supply lockable mobile phone pouches for the pilot and provide training, guidance and support for the pilot project.

Mr Givan said: “Pupils involved in the pilot scheme will place their phones in a pocket-sized fabric pouch with a magnetic latch that is sealed at the beginning of the school day and opened using a special unlocking base.

“This will ensure pupils cannot use their phones during the school day and will allow us to evaluate the impacts of reduced usage.

“I want to provide reassurance that flexibility will be provided for those students who need access to their smartphone during the school day, for reasons of health, disability or other needs.”

King’s College London has been appointed to carry out an external evaluation of the pilot.

Mr Givan added: “This is a pilot initiative, and every aspect of using lockable pouches during the school day will be independently evaluated by King’s College London.

“Their research will help us understand the real impact of reduced phone use in schools. I encourage everyone involved — students, staff and parents — to share their experiences openly and honestly over the coming months.

“I look forward to the valuable insights this review will bring, which will help shape future policy decisions.”

A report about the evaluation of the pilot scheme is due to be published next June.

The nine schools participating in the pilot are Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor, Friends’ School, Lisburn, Hazelwood Integrated College, Belfast, St Genevieve’s High School, Belfast, St Joseph’s Boys’, Derry, St Fanchea’s College, Enniskillen, Larne High School, Markethill High School and St Ronan’s College, Lurgan.

The scheme had previously been criticised after Mr Givan said he had set aside £250,000 to pay for it.

Alliance Party leader Naomi Long questioned the cost last year and said “each mobile comes with an off switch which is absolutely free”.