In 2020, we decided to introduce a ban on mobile phones in our school.

This decision was informed by compelling, emerging evidence from numerous scientific studies, including projects in Spain, Australia, Scandinavia, Leeds Becket University and by the London School of Economics, on the effect of mobile phones on young people and their performance in schools.

Research also suggests that there are positive effects on young people’s mental health by banning phones at school and that separating young people from their devices can dampen down social media pressures, online bullying and incidents of sexual harassment.

Research at Leeds Becket University which examined phone use among pupils aged 11-18, found that:

• 96% of those surveyed said that they checked their phones every two minutes
• 85% said they spent between four and six hours a day online
• 67% said they were getting between two and four hours of sleep a night because of their addiction to mobile phones.

Research in the journal Current Problems of Psychiatry notes that individuals who engage in high levels of mobile phone use often experience stress, anger and anxiety when they can’t get to their phone.

Mobile addiction not only has physical effects but also psychological. Sleep deficit, anxiety, stress, and depression, which are all associated with internet abuse, have been related to mobile phone usage too.

The specifics

Mobile phones are not permitted in school, at any point during the day.

From Monday June 3rd, if a mobile device is seen or heard at any point during the day, the phone will be confiscated and a demerit will be issued. Phones will be stored securely and can be collected from the canteen at the end of the day.

Willows High School is working in partnership with Cardiff and Vale Health Board, enabling children who have missed their scheduled appointments for MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccines to access this in school. Measles can be very serious for children, and is very easily passed between people who are not vaccinated. There are currently outbreaks of measles in Wales, so we would encourage families to take up the opportunity of their child getting their MMR vaccination if they are offered it by the Health Board. Please note that if your child is invited and you would like your child to have the MMR vaccine which does not contain gelatine, this will be an option you can choose. For more information about the MMR vaccine please go to Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) – Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)‘