GDST schools go phone free

The Girls’ Day School Trust has announced a phone-free policy covering all 25 of its schools

The Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) has announced that all 25 of its schools – including Notting Hill & Ealing High (pictured) will be mobile phone-free from September for pupils up to Year 11. This builds on GDST current guidance and practices, with many of its girls’ schools creating mobile phone-free environments with lockers or secure pouches. 

“All GDST schools already strongly advise against mobile phone usage during the school day. However, there is a growing body of research showing the potential harms of mobile phones and social media use, along with recent large-scale studies highlighting the specific impact on teenage girls, from addiction to poor mental health and wellbeing,” says GDST Director of Education Dr Philip Purvis. “Taken together, the evidence points to the need for practical measures to protect young people from these potential long-term risks.” 

The policy echoes national developments, including a recent announcement about implementation of a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools in England. “The GDST approach reflects both the strengthened national position and our shared responsibility with GDST families to promote calm, focused learning environments, positive behaviour, and strong pupil wellbeing. The new policy reinforces what many schools, parents and studies already recognise about the benefits of phone-free school days and we are confident that reducing access to mobile phones plays an important role in supporting girls to thrive,” adds Philip Purvis.

The GDST will be working closely with head teachers across its 25 schools to ensure the policy is implemented effectively in time for September in line with each school’s unique environment. Arrangements for Sixth Form students will continue to reflect their increased independence and maturity, however, any access to mobile phones will remain clearly defined, limited in time and location, and grounded in the school’s behaviour policy. 

“We have been using Yondr pouches for a year to support a mobile phone-free environment and they have been transformative for our school,” says Allison Saunders, Head of Notting Hill & Ealing High School. “Students are more focused on learning and connecting with one another when on the school site and we have eliminated ambiguity around expectations. For our staff, the pouches enable more consistent implementation of our phone policy.” 

GDST gdst.net

Further reading: Why children need digital education