Gordonstoun pupils say mobile phone ban has improved focus
The independent school in Moray banned phones in classrooms from September
Pupils at a private boarding school in Moray say their wellbeing has improved since a mobile phone ban in classrooms was introduced.
Gordonstoun School made put the ban in place three months ago and both pupils and staff have reported a significant change in culture among pupils.
It follows on from a decision to limit the use of phones on campus in 2017.
From September, students were told to leave their phones in their boarding houses during the school day, and to hand them over to staff overnight.
"My general wellbeing has improved"
Sixth year pupils are exempt from the rule and may keep their phones at all times, however they are still required to switch them off in class.
Year 13 pupil, Ruby Giddy, said: “My general wellbeing has improved since the new policy has been introduced.
"There is a more positive atmosphere on the school campus because of the restrictions on mobiles in social spaces.
"There is less focus on our online presence and more on real life.
"It allows everyone to have more in depth conversations"
"The new policy is an improvement for everyone in school, as it allows everyone to have more in depth conversations as opposed to speaking to someone while looking at a phone.
"I feel like I do focus more during my lessons as my phone was quite a large distraction before. I now find myself paying more attention in my lessons, which is only beneficial to me and my studies.
"Overall, I think this is positively impacting on everyone's work and grades."
The success of the ban is being seen as Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth earlier this week gave her support to headteachers who want to ban mobile phones in the classroom.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa)'s latest figures showed around one third of pupils admit their phones distract them while in class.
One third of pupils distracted by phones in the classroom
Ruby’s fellow Year 13 pupil, Daniella Fagbemi said: “Removing the constant interruption of beeps and bleeps from phones has prompted a considerable shift in my relationships around the school campus, as I'm now spending more time talking to my friends.
"Ensuring that no one has access to a phone throughout the day means that no one feels they are missing out on any important social activity online.
"The new mobile phone policy has allowed me to reevaluate the impact that social media has had on my wellbeing and being able to take the time to disconnect throughout the school day has encouraged me to continue this trend during my free time.
"Removing the distraction of my phone means I'm also using my free time more productively."
"I'm also using my free time more productively"
Teaching staff at King Charles' former school have welcomed the ban, saying they see a marked improvement in student performance.
One houseparent at the independent school, Daniel McLean, said: “What I'm seeing now is much happier and socially confident children no longer being distracted by the Apps and constant updates on their phones.
"They are being forced to stop and think and appreciate the value of silence, with many now performing better in the classroom particularly with their attention to detail."
German and French teacher Stephanie Ottens agreed, saying students have “exhibited a heightened focus during lessons.”
She added: “This increased concentration has led to improved academic performance and a noticeable reduction in signs of anxiety when they are separated from their electronic devices."
"Reduction in signs of anxiety"
Principal of Gordonstoun, Lisa Kerr, said: “Restricting the use of mobiles phones has transformed life and learning at Gordonstoun, with students spending quality time with each other rather than scrolling through their phones.
"Mealtimes have become more sociable, and students are released from the temptation and pressure to check constant updates on Apps.”
She added: “Technology has a vital place in our classrooms as a learning tool but, as the recent Pisa report highlighted, mobile phones can be a distraction not just to the user but also those around them.
"Some may argue the genie is out of the bottle and it's too late to bring in restrictions, but it's never too late to protect our children from what is effectively an addiction to the regular dopamine mini hits from their phones.
"At the heart of this is giving them back the gift of childhood and supporting them to achieve their full potential."