A Belfast school has become the first in Northern Ireland to adopt a new mobile phone policy, involving a secure pouch.
Victoria College has introduced ‘Digital Detox’ in a first for NI schools. Under the YONDR programme initiative, pupils will store their mobile phones and other smart devices in the pouch during the school day. Pupils retain possession of their phones but, in line with the College’s current policy, will require teacher permission to access them, solely if beneficial for learning.
Principal, Karen Quinn said: “We believe this will be a positive, structured approach to managing device usage that supports our current Mobile Phone Policy. Research has found where this has been introduced in UK and ROI, academic achievement and social interaction have notably improved.
“While we readily acknowledge that technology is an essential part of modern life, we believe this approach will enhance our pupils’ wellbeing and help prepare them for life and work after school.”
In a letter to parents, Mrs Quinn said as a school, they are “increasingly aware of the potential negative impacts of increasing phone usage for some young people”.
The letter added: “Hence, we believe that as a school community it is vital that we strive to collectively support our young people by educating them on how to utilise mobile device responsibly.
“After careful consideration, this term we will be further supporting our current Mobile Phone Policy, focusing on the positive, responsible and appropriate use of phones at the College. Each student will be provided with a Yondr pouch, a simple, secure pouch that has the capacity to tore a range of smart technology including a phone, smartwatch and ear pods.
“We recognise that smart technology is a part of modern life and has great utility when used responsibly. We have also found that learning, and social behaviour and engagement improve when students are fully engaged with their teachers and peers, both in and outside the classroom.”
You can sign up to join Belfast Live’s breaking news and top stories group on WhatsApp here. If you don’t like the group you can leave at any time.