Our kids’ school has BANNED phones and dumps kids in detention – we have to leave work early to collect the devices
A SECONDARY school that’s banned mobile phones is making pupils’ parents pick up devices after school.
The new rules mean kids can’t take confiscated tech home themselves – forcing their mums and dads to leave work early.
Despite triggering fury at the school gates, The Romsey School, in Hants, has stood by their decision.
One parent, who did not want to be named, said: “It is causing havoc with the school.
“Why not put all phones in a box at each lesson and collect them at the end? It’s unacceptable and unnecessary stress for all involved.”
Parents say the rules have also caused problems for their kids who need phones for online banking, public transport, food and keeping safe.
To add insult to injury, if pupils get their phones taken on Friday, parents claim the school won’t give them back until 3pm Monday.
Refusal to hand over a phone to teachers can result in exclusion, a parent added.
The new guidance comes amid a government-led crackdown which hopes to ban all mobile phones in classrooms to improve behaviour.
They also think a ban will slash cyber-bullying in the classroom.
Most school set their own rules around devices, with many already asking phones to be handed in each morning.
Other schools let pupils have them at breaks and lunchtimes.
Previously at The Romsey School, which is rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, confiscated phones could be collected by pupils at the end of the day.
Head teacher Annie Eagle says the move was made to protect “pupils’ mental health”.
A statement said: “The Romsey School has high expectations of our pupils across all aspects of school life and our pupils’ mental health is at the heart of everything we do.
“There is much evidence widely available which highlights that mobile phones can be distracting to learning and can have a very negative impact on pupils’ health and well-being.
“It is for this reason we have changed our processes.
“All parents have regular opportunities for feedback and discussion with staff. They have also received school communications about any changes to these policies or processes and parents will therefore be aware of the recent updates.