A SCHOOL supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provides children with devices to listen to music with instead of phones, a headteacher has explained.
Inclusion School, in Jays Close, says that for some young people, smart phones act as a tool to support their mental health and well-being.
It explained that some learners at the school have issues with communication, such as selective mutism or high levels of anxiety, and use phones to regulate this through apps, music and videos.
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However, the school added that it acknowledges that mobile phones can have negative impacts including cyberbullying, accessing harmful content, impacts on concentration and other safeguarding risks.
Headteacher Matthew Atkinson explained that in order to avoid these issues, he worked to 'create a policy which supported behaviour change that was understood, gradual, met the needs of the learner and would be sustainable in the long term'.
The government issued guidance in October 2023, 'backing headteachers in banning mobile phone use throughout the school day' which it said would 'tackle disruptive behaviour and online bullying'.
Mr Atkinson said that the guidance prompted the school to consult with stakeholders, staff, parents and learners to find an alternative solution to support pupils whilst protecting them from the associated harms of mobile phones.
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The school's policy means that young people must hand their phones in at the beginning of the day. After handing the devices in, pupils receive a 'school safe phone' which can be used to play music and support communication.
He added: "We were only able to manage this change so effectively through the hard work of our team, our learners and parents and carers.
"We are so proud of the way the whole school community worked together in this to find workable solutions in the best interests of our young people.
It has been a slow process but learners have adapted brilliantly, and we are so grateful for the support of everyone involved."
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