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Mobile Phones in Schools

Guidance on mobile phones in schools becomes statutory on 29th June. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to comply with the regulations which is why we are getting behind the ‘brick-phone’ only policies many schools are adopting around the country. There is plenty of help for Headteachers out there and below are some reasons for going brick-phone only along with RBWM schools who have already done it.  
 
WATCH a short 8 minute video of head teachers who have implemented brick-phone only policies and the positive difference it has made:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlisKdqSTe8

BENEFITS of a  Brick-phone only policy
A brick-phone-only policy is the simplest, cheapest, and most robust way to fulfil the new government expectations. 
 
What is a brick phone? 
  • Brick-phones are calls and texts only, have no camera and no internet access. 
SCHOOLS in RBWM with brick-phone only policies and what the Headeachers say:
  • The Windsor Boys School CLICK HERE for their policy
    • “ The mobile phone policy has been positively received by the majority of both staff and parents. There is overwhelming evidence that it has improved classroom focus and student engagement. Staff feel supported in the implementation, contributing to improved wellbeing and the policy represents a successful whole-school change with measurable positive impact.” Compilation of Key Executive Messages provided by Sean Furness, Headteacher 
  • Windsor Girls School CLICK HERE for their policy
  • Braywick Court Primary School CLICK HERE for their policy 
  • Newlands Girls School CLICK HERE for their policy
    • "From September 2026, Newlands Girls’ School will adopt a complete smartphone ban in Years 7-11  Years, placing student wellbeing, focus, and face-to-face interaction at the heart of the learning environment. Early discussions with pupils, staff, and parents signal strong support for reducing digital distraction. We would encourage fellow headteachers to consider taking similar decisive action: a consistent, school-wide approach can strengthen behaviour, improve engagement, and help young people develop healthier relationships with technology. By working collectively, schools can set a clear cultural expectation that supports both academic success and student wellbeing. More and more schools are following suit and shifting the societal norm is in progress. Clear communication, relentless focus on the reasons why and clear policies have made this a smooth process. Go for it! Jo Capon, Headteacher

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 
  • Papaya Parents offer workshops for KS1, 2 & 3 and for parents and one of their talks can go a long way to bringing your parent and student body along with you. 
  • Generation Focus has the most comprehensive outline of how to implement a brick-phone only policy and has a growing network of Headteachers who are going for this option. 
    •  CLICK HERE for resources, benefits, case studies, common pushback from parents and how to manage transport.
THE CASE FOR BRICK-PHONE policies in a simple table! 
  • image.tiff
 
What about children with medical needs?
There will always be exceptions to the rule and you will find provisions in each of the policies above for children with medical needs. 
 
What about pouches?
If you have already implemented a pouch policy you have the option to introduce a rolling brick-phone only policy and the pouches can be used to store brick phones instead. 
 
What about boarding schools?
Many independent boarding schools have chosen to implement a brick phone only policy. State boarding schools are free to follow suit. Here is a link to St Edwards Oxford and how they manage smartphones outside of school hours. 

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