Mobile Phones

Mobile Phone Procedures

At Merstham park School, we are extremely proud of our culture of educating the whole child and supporting young people in their personal development, wellbeing and character, often beyond the formal demands of the academic curriculum. As part of this commitment, we must occasionally address wider issues and challenges and take decisions that we believe will provide students with the very best experience at school while preparing them for successful futures.

Following careful consideration, and in line with Department for Education guidance that schools should operate as mobile phone-free environments, we will be strengthening our mobile phone procedures from 1^st September 2026. Mobile phones will be regarded as a prohibited item unless they are switched off and stored securely in a student's school bag throughout the school day. Students must not have access to mobile phones whilst on the school site. 

This decision has not been taken lightly. In line with growing neurological and sociological research, we are increasingly concerned about the impact that excessive smartphone use can have on young people's concentration, wellbeing, social development and ability to engage fully with learning.

Alongside these wider concerns, our pastoral and safeguarding teams continue to address issues linked directly to smartphone use on a regular basis. These include friendship difficulties, online disputes, cyberbullying and social media concerns. The Department for Education has similarly highlighted concerns relating to distraction, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing when mobile phones are accessible during school hours.

We believe that limiting access to mobile phones during the school day will:

• Improve focus and engagement in lessons
• Reduce distractions and interruptions to learning. 
• Encourage positive face-to-face social interaction. 
• Support students' mental health and wellbeing.
• Reduce safeguarding concerns linked to social media and online communication.
• Help create a calmer, safer and more inclusive school environment. 

Mobile Phone Expectations

We recognise that many families wish their child to carry a mobile phone for safety and communication on their journey to and from school. Students may therefore bring a mobile phone onto the school site, provided that it meets the following requirements:

• The phone must be switched off before entering the school site.
• The phone must remain switched off throughout the entire school day.
• The phone must be stored securely in the student's school bag.
• The phone must not be removed from the school bag at any point during the school day.

To be absolutely clear, a mobile phone must be kept in a student's school bag. Phones must not be carried on a student's person under any circumstances. This includes:

• Blazer pockets
• Trouser pockets
• Skirt pockets
• Shirt pockets
• Coat or jacket pockets
• Hoodies
• Any other item of clothing

A phone that is switched off but carried in a pocket, blazer or any item of clothing is still in breach of the school's procedures.

Breaches of the Mobile Phone Procedure

Any mobile phone that is not switched off and stored securely in a student's school bag will be considered to be in breach of the school's mobile phone procedures.

If a member of staff finds a mobile phone on a student's person, or if a phone is seen, heard or used during the school day, it will be confiscated and retained securely by the school.

The phone will only be returned to a parent or carer, who will be required to collect it from school.

This procedure applies whether the phone is switched on or switched off. The key expectation is that mobile phones remain switched off and stored in school bags throughout the school day.

We believe that this clarity will help ensure consistency for all students and reduce unnecessary disputes around whether a phone was being used or not.

Medical and Exceptional Circumstances

We recognise that a small number of students may require access to a smartphone or smart device as part of the management of a diagnosed medical condition. The Department for Education recognises that schools may need to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with medical needs, disabilities and other protected characteristics. 

Examples may include, but are not limited to:

• Students with Type 1 diabetes who use Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems linked to a smartphone.
• Students who use smartphone-based insulin management applications.
• Students with epilepsy where monitoring or alert systems are connected to a smart device.
• Students with certain cardiac, respiratory or neurological conditions that require app-based monitoring.
• Other medical needs supported through an agreed medical care plan.

Parents and carers who believe their child requires a medical exemption should contact the school and provide appropriate supporting medical evidence. Each request will be considered individually.

Where an exemption is agreed:

• The exemption will be formally recorded within the student's medical needs or support plan.
• Relevant staff will be informed on a need-to-know basis.
• The student will receive confirmation of the agreed arrangements.
• Access will be limited to the specific medical purpose for which the exemption has been granted.
• Exemptions will be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain appropriate and necessary.

Students with an agreed exemption will still be expected to follow all other aspects of the school's mobile phone procedures. Any use of a device outside the agreed medical purpose may result in the exemption being reviewed.

Communication During the School Day

Parents wishing to contact their child during the school day should continue to do so through the school office. Equally, if a student needs to contact home in exceptional circumstances, school staff will facilitate this.

Working Together

This change is not driven by a lack of trust in our students. Rather, it reflects our commitment to creating an environment in which all young people can learn, socialise and flourish free from the distractions and pressures that smartphones can bring during the school day.

Having carefully considered current research and national guidance, we are confident that these procedures strike the right balance between allowing students to carry a phone for their journey to and from school while ensuring that mobile phones remain inaccessible during the school day. We believe this approach will further support the positive culture, high expectations and safe environment that we work hard to provide each day. 

We thank you for your continued support and partnership in helping us provide the very best educational experience for all our students.