Mobile Phone Policy

At Boston High School, we are committed to creating a calm, focused, and safe learning environment for all students. Our “Never Seen, Never Heard” mobile phone approach supports this by minimising distractions, reducing risks such as bullying, and promoting positive wellbeing.

The key reasons behind this approach include:

  • One in five children have experienced bullying online and are often targeted via their mobile phones or similar devices
  • Can increase anxiety and conflict
  • Helps keep school calm, safe and focused
  • Supports wellbeing and relationships
  • Phones can distract learning

This page provides a clear summary of expectations for students, parents, staff, and visitors, ensuring that mobile device use is safe, appropriate, and aligned with national guidance. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section is included below; however, if you have any further queries, please contact the school directly

 

DFE Guidance; Mobile Phones in Schools 2026

For the purposes of this policy, “mobile phones and smart devices” refers to any personal device capable of communication, internet access, photography, audio or video recording, including but not limited to smartphones, smart watches, and wearable technology.

We use multiple terms when referring to electronic devices:

  • mobile phones
  • tablets / iPads
  • smart devices
  • smart watches
  • any similar devices
Mobile Phone Poster Mobile Phone Policy - Parent Summary
Frequently Asked Questions

Boston High School follows a “Never Seen, Never Heard” approach throughout the school day. This means that mobile phones and smart devices must be not seen or heard (switched off, out of sight, and not used at any time) between 8:40am and 3:30pm, whilst on the school site.

The policy is designed to:

  • Provide a distraction-free learning environment
  • Reduce online bullying and social media pressures
  • Safeguard children from inappropriate content and sharing
  • Prevent loss, theft or misuse of devices
  • Align with DfE Guidance (February 2026) on mobile phone use in schools
  • Support students’ wellbeing by reducing screen time during the school day

Yes, we understand that having communication for travel purposes is important, however once in school the phone must “Never Seen, Never Heard” If brought to school, the phone must be switched off and kept out of sight all day. Students bring devices entirely at their own risk; the school does not investigate loss, theft or damage.

We suggest that devices are kept in their locker during the day.

Parents must contact their child via the school office for urgent messages only. Students may also ask office staff to contact parents if needed.

Students may check their phones only after 3:30pm once off school premises.

Sanctions are as follows:

  1. First Offence: Phone confiscated; student collects it at the end of the school day from the main office. Parents notified via Edulink.10 behaviour points
  2. Second Offence: Phone confiscated; student collects it at the end of the school day from the Headteacher. Headteacher conversation. Parents notified via Edulink.15 behaviour points
  3. Third Offence: Phone confiscated. Parents/carers collect mobile phone at the end of day. 20 behaviour points
  4. Repeated Offences: Escalation using the LCC Behaviour Ladder. Appropriate sanctions applied (e.g internal suspension)

The only exceptions are for students with a documented medical need (identified by a care plan) and have been issued a medical card.

KS5 students are expected to role-model responsible use. They may:

  • Use phones only in Sixth Form common rooms or when directed by a teacher
  • Use phones appropriately during Supervised Study Sessions for learning purposes
  • They may not use phones around school between lessons, at break, or at lunch
  • After-school clubs: Mobile phone use is not permitted.
  • School trips: Phones may be allowed, but must be used appropriately, following staff guidance for learning purposes.
  • Parents/volunteers supervising trips will help enforce the policy.

No. All devices are brought to school entirely at the owner’s risk, including during travel, trips, and on school premises.

Authorised staff have a legal right to search a student or their possessions if they suspect the pupil has a prohibited item, including a mobile phone being used against school rules.

Parents, visitors and volunteers must:

  • Avoid using phones in the presence of pupils
  • Not take photos/videos of children except their own
  • Not post images/videos online without consent Information is shared upon signing in or when attending events.

Please contact the school. Students may be granted permission for essential health-related reasons in relation to a care plan, which will be noted on their Medical Card