MOBILE PHONE POLICY
POLICY OVERVIEW
DETAILS
TITLE Mobile Phone Policy
TARGET AUDIENCE School Stakeholders, Staff
REVIEW DATE June 2025
REVIEW LEAD Mr K Rendall
PERSONNEL INVOLVED IN THE REVIEW
OF THIS PROCEDURE:
Senior Leadership Team, Staff
POLICY PRESENTED TO THE BOARD OF
GOVERNORS ON:
POLICY RATIFIED BY THE BOARD OF
GOVERNORS ON:
EFFECTIVE FROM: September 2025
REVIEW FREQUENCY: Every three years (minimum)
PRINCIPAL Mrs K Mulholland
CHAIR OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS Mr W Scott
This procedure has been reviewed to include reference to the remit of the
Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) in investigating complaints
from members of the public in relation to mal-administration in publicly-funded
schools.
Purpose
This policy outlines the school’s approach to mobile phone use by pupils, ensuring
a safe, focused, and respectful learning environment. It aligns with all existing
school policies on safeguarding, behaviour, and digital safety.
Rationale
1. Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Mobile phones can expose pupils to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, bullying
and social pressure.
Constant connectivity can lead to anxiety, sleep disruption, and reduced face-toface interaction.
Removing phones during the school day supports mental health and encourages
healthier social dynamics.
2. Academic Focus
Studies show that mobile phone use in schools can distract from learning, reduce
concentration, and negatively impact academic performance.
This policy promotes a focused, calm, and productive learning environment, free
from digital distractions.
Phone Collection:
All pupils must hand in their mobile phones during morning registration between
8.45am and 9.00am to their form teachers. Phones will be securely stored in a
designated area monitored by CCTV.
Phone Return:
Phones will be returned to pupils during afternoon registration 3.00pm and
3.15pm by their form teachers.
Lateness:
Any pupils arriving late to school must hand their mobile phone into reception
before entering the main building.
Leaving Early:
Any pupils leaving school early (including sickness) will collect their phones from
the office on the way out of school.
School trips:
While the school’s policy is that phones will remain in a secured place during the
school day they may be required during school trips. This will be judged on a caseby-case event and the teacher will carry out a risk assessment before making any
decision on whether phones can be taken.
Smart watches:
If a pupil has a smart watch, they should not be paired to their phone during
school day. If a pupil is using their smart watch like their phone, it will be
confiscated.
Exceptions:
Pupils who require their phone due to a medical condition such as diabetes, are
permitted to carry their phone on them during the school day. This will only be
allowed if a medical letter has been supplied to the school in advance.
Non-Compliance:
Any pupil found in possession of a mobile phone during the school day will have it
confiscated immediately. (including a second phone)
The phone will only be returned to a parent/guardian or another appropriate
trusted adult upon parental request.
The school will not contact home regarding confiscated phones.
It is the parent’s responsibility to arrange collection.
The school will follow our Positive Behaviour Policy for pupils unwilling to comply
with school mobile phone policy.
Security and Compliance:
Each pupil’s phone is stored in a clearly named pouch inside a closed tray. All
phones are stored in a secure, locked space monitored by CCTV.
This policy is in line with our Safeguarding Policy, Positive Behaviour Policy,
Empowering pupils curriculum, Acceptable Use Policy, Addressing Bullying Policy,
School Trips and Visits Policy.
There may be minor variations to this policy where in the Principal’s judgement it is
in the best interests of the school.
Evaluation- This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three-year review
cycle.
RECORD OF POLICY AMENDMENTS
The following table outlines any significant changes/amendments made to this
procedure since it was ratified by the Board of Governors on:
DATE OF REVIEW OR
AMENDMENT
SUMMARY OF CHANGED
/ AMENDMENTS TO
PROCEDURE
AMENDED BY