Following refreshed government guidance on the use of mobile phones, schools across the area have been looking at their own policies.

One school rolled out a new policy, marking the start back from the Easter holidays on Monday, April 15.

Garth Hill College in Bracknell rewrote its policy after the Department for Education published new guidance in February 2024.

The government guidance seeks to prohibit the use of mobile phones throughout the school day. It reads: "All schools should develop and implement a policy that creates a mobile phone-free environment by prohibiting the use of mobile phones and other smart technology with similar functionality to mobile phones throughout the school day, including during lessons, the time between lessons, break times and lunchtime."

Garth Hill College says they hope to create an environment which is "calm, safe and free from distraction so all pupils can learn".

They state: "The College does not encourage pupils to bring mobile phones and/or digital devices onto the College site.

"Pupils and parents/carers must accept full responsibility for such items if they choose to bring them onto the college site."

New guidance emphasizes that mobile phones must not be "used, seen or heard" during the school day, including break times.  

"Devices must be switched off and out of sight before entering the building and can only be switched on after leaving the building."

It adds that phones must be in bags, not blazer pockets - and headphones or AirPods must not be used.

Mobile phone usage on the school premises after extracurricular activities, intervention sessions and detentions will be under "strict supervision". Similarly, staff permitting phone usage in lessons will be heavily monitored.

Taking photos and videos on-site is prohibited.

Sixth-formers cannot use phones in lessons or in front of younger students.

A "see it, hear it, take it" procedure will see phones confiscated until the end of the day when they can be collected.

Repeat offenders will get 30-minute and then 60-minute detentions.

The school has stated it will involve the police and relevant agencies in any instances of sexting, threats of violence and assault and abusive calls, emails, posts or texts.

While the College's Behaviour Policy covers bullying.

Other schools have similar policies. 

Sandhurst School last updated their policy in 2017, which operates "we see it, we hear it, you lose it", with 15-minute detentions handed out, or a 60-minute confiscation on a second offence.

King's Academy in Binfield doesn't allow students to use phones on site, and any phones confiscated can be searched by staff as part of a screening process.

The school adds: "The DfE guidance allows staff to search a student’s phone if we have reason to believe the phone contains pornographic images, or it is being/has been used to commit an offence or cause personal injury.

"If this is suspected and this action needs to be taken, it will be carried out by two members of staff and a member of the Senior Leadership Team will be present for this search to take place. Parents will be notified that this action has been taken"

Repeat offenders have to hand their mobile phones into reception each morning.