At Warwick School, we believe in the vital importance of connection, belonging, and relationships. We know that young people thrive and flourish without the constant presence of smartphones and social media.
Our priority is to support pupils in building meaningful, in-person relationships with their peers. A phone-free environment fosters a sense of community, enhances focus, and supports personal growth. We are committed to providing a setting that nurtures the holistic development of our students, free from the distractions of smartphones.
In 2024, we introduced lockable, signal-blocking Yondr pouches for all pupils in Years 7–11. These pouches are provided by the school. Each morning, students lock away their phones under the supervision of form tutors. On their way home, students unlock their pouches at stations located at exit points. Our Sixth Form students may access their phones within the Sixth Form Centre and are not required to use a Yondr pouch. We work closely with them to help develop positive and balanced habits around phone use.
It is important to note that no student is required to bring a phone to school. A growing number of pupils are choosing not to do so. From September 2025, students in Years 7–11 will also not be permitted to bring smartwatches to school.
Removing phones from the school day enables pupils to focus more effectively on their learning and encourages in-person social interaction rather than virtual engagement. After carefully evaluating the available options for creating a phone-free environment, we remain confident that the Yondr system is the most effective solution for fostering a focused, connected, and distraction-free school experience.
The wider question of whether to give your child a smartphone is complex. While the risks of smartphone use—such as impact on sleep, concentration, increased access to social media, and mental health—are increasingly well understood, there are also legitimate reasons why parents may choose to provide one.
These include:
-
- Independent travel: Smartphones can support safety through GPS and transport apps.
- Medical needs: Some devices are linked to health-monitoring technology (e.g., insulin monitors).
- Split households: Phones may ease communication between children and parents across different homes.
What matters most is that the decision to provide a smartphone is made consciously, weighing both the benefits and the risks.
Five tips before buying your child a smartphone
If you do decide to provide your child with a smartphone – or they already have one – it is essential that you manage their relationship with their device.
Five tips if your child already has a smartphone
Regardless of your decision about smartphone ownership, we recognise that smartphones and social media are a part of modern life. Our aim is not to shelter students indefinitely, but to support them in becoming digitally literate, self-aware, and responsible users of technology.
Limiting screentime whether through outright bans or restrictions does not remove the need for them to be digitally literate so that they make informed choices about their relationship with technology and social media. That is why our restrictions on phone use at Warwick School are complemented by a strong commitment to educating young people about digital wellbeing. We also encourage parents to model a healthy relationship with their own devices and stay informed about the digital landscape.
