School forces kids to lock away phones in pouches which won't open until they leave

A school is to introduce locking pouches for phones to stop kids using them whilst they should be studying.

The John Wallis Academy in Ashford will be introducing 'Yondr pouches' also used by comedians like Micky Flanagan to prevent the audience filming his show.

Kids will put their phones in the pouches when they arrive where they are automatically locked until they leave, allowing them access again.

The school believes it is the first in Kent to introduce the system which will come into play for the beginning of next term.

They hope the change will minimise distractions in class and improve behaviour.

But some parents have expressed concern at the move, saying not being able to communicate with their children could be a “big inconvenience” when after-school activities are changed at late notice.

Damian McBeath, principal of the academy, says he hopes the ban will help pupils concentrate.

He said: “Mobile phones, while valuable tools, can also pose significant distractions in the classroom, hindering students’ ability to focus and absorb information.

“By implementing Yondr pouches, we are creating a more engaged learning environment where students can prioritise their education and engage meaningfully with their teachers and peers.”

From January 3, every pupil in Years 7 to 11 at the academy will be given their own pouch to bring with them to school every day.

Before they enter the gates, they will be asked to place their phones in the pouch and secure them by tapping them onto a locking base.

The kids can then only unlock them by tapping them again on the way out at the end of the day.

Pupils can keep their phones on them, once in the pouch, but will not be able to access them.

In a letter home to parents, the school confirmed the pouches will be checked at the beginning and middle of each day in tutor time to ensure children are following the rules.

Lorin Salh, a senior prefect at the academy, said: "When we are in school, we are here to learn.

“Phones are a distraction from lessons and what is happening in class. If your phone rings or someone texts, it’s quite easy to lose track of what you are working on.

“I am pleased that the school is doing something about that.

“Some of my friends need their phones for their journey to and from school, but this allows them to do that. I think this is a good thing.”

But one parent, who asked not to be named, says the academy should be focusing on behavioural incidents and would be better off spending the cash on staffing.

They said: "I think the funding should be used on other things - no parent I have spoken to is happy about it.

"We can't see the benefit of it, as after-school activities can sometimes be spontaneously organised or cancelled and we need our kids to let us know via message.