The Greater Manchester school where phones are locked away – and the impact is massive

Holy Family RC & CE College in Heywood introduced lockable pouches at the beginning of term in a bid to help kids focus on lessons and build relationships at break time.

The 11 to 16-year-olds put their mobiles away at the start of the day. Phone locker pockets are opened with a magnetic device once lessons are finished.

Staff said many students say they’re enjoying school more and that the scheme has cut down on distractions and eased the social pressure that comes with being constantly online.

Headteacher Karen Ames said: “The impact has been remarkable.

“We’ve created a calmer, more connected community where students are focused on their learning and building real friendships. It has transformed the atmosphere around the school.”

The school said that before the summer break, one girl who attends Holy Family had an average daily screen time of 12 and a half hours, but since the pouches were brought in, it’s dropped to four and a half and teachers say her attendance has improved dramatically.

Since the roll-out in September, staff at the school say children are more engaged in lessons and there have been fewer requests to leave lessons.

One year 10 student said: “I don’t constantly feel the need to check my phone to see who messaged me, and I don’t check the time every few minutes either.

“Lessons go by quicker and I don’t bother with notifications any more.”

Another said: “My screen time has gone down, my stress has reduced, and there’s less drama in school since no one can message about things during the day.

“They’ve even stopped people skipping lessons.”