A school is to introduce locking pouches for phones to stop kids using them whilst they should be studying.<br /><br />The John Wallis Academy in Ashford will be introducing 'Yondr pouches' also used by comedians like Micky Flanagan to prevent the audience filming his show.<br /><br />Kids will put their phones in the pouches when they arrive where they are automatically locked until they leave, allowing them access again.<br /><br />The school believes it is the first in Kent to introduce the system which will come into play for the beginning of next term.<br /><br />They hope the change will minimise distractions in class and improve behaviour.<br /><br />But some parents have expressed concern at the move, saying not being able to communicate with their children could be a “big inconvenience” when after-school activities are changed at late notice.<br /><br />Damian McBeath, principal of the academy, says he hopes the ban will help pupils concentrate.<br /><br />He said: “Mobile phones, while valuable tools, can also pose significant distractions in the classroom, hindering students’ ability to focus and absorb information.<br /><br />“By implementing Yondr pouches, we are creating a more engaged learning environment where students can prioritise their education and engage meaningfully with their teachers and peers.”<br /><br />From January 3, every pupil in Years 7 to 11 at the academy will be given their own pouch to bring with them to school every day.<br /><br />Before they enter the gates, they will be asked to place their phones in the pouch and secure them by tapping them onto a locking base.<br /><br />The kids can then only unlock them by tapping them again on the way out at the end of the day.<br /><br />Pupils can keep their phones on them, once in the pouch, but will not be able to access them.<br /><br />In a letter home to parents, the school confirmed the pouches will be checked at the beginning and middle of each day in tutor time to ensure children are following the rules.<br /><br />Lorin Salh, a senior prefect at the academy, said: "When we are in school, we are here to learn.<br /><br />“Phones are a distraction from lessons and what is happening in class. If your phone rings or someone texts, it’s quite easy to lose track of what you are working on.<br /><br />“I am pleased that the school is doing something about that.<br /><br />“Some of my friends need their phones for their journey to and from school, but this allows them to do that. I think this is a good thing.”<br /><br />But one parent, who asked not to be named, says the academy should be focusing on behavioural incidents and would be better off spending the cash on staffing.<br /><br />They said: "I think the funding should be used on other things - no parent I have spoken to is happy about it.<br /><br />"We can't see the benefit of it, as after-school activities can sometimes be spontaneously organised or cancelled and we need our kids to let us know via message.
