Exploring our mobile phone policy at ELA: care, connection, and character
At East Leake Academy, we are committed to creating an environment where young people can focus, thrive, and develop the character and self-control they will need for life beyond school. As part of this, we are currently exploring the use of lockable mobile phone pouches during the school day.
We want to provide clarity on why we are considering this, what parents have told us, and how it would practically work.
Rooted in care, not control
This conversation is rooted in care, not control. Research shows that adolescents find it particularly difficult to resist the dopamine-driven pull of social media and constant notifications, a struggle even many adults face.
It is important to be clear: ELA is a pro-technology school. We understand the role technology will play in your child’s future and we will ensure they are prepared for this.
We are not anti-technology. Over two-thirds of our students follow a STEM pathway at GCSE, and around 80% follow this pathway at A level. We actively embrace digital learning, including the teaching of students on how to use artificial intelligence.
Our aim is not to remove technology, but to help students learn how to use it wisely, ethically, and with self-discipline.
What parents told us
We recently asked parents and carers for their views on exploring this approach. The response was overwhelmingly supportive:
- 81% – Very supportive
- 8% – Supportive
- 6% – Neutral or unsure
- 5% – Not supportive
Many parents highlighted concerns about distraction, anxiety, and behaviour linked to mobile phone use. Comments included “Best idea ever!” and “Phone use among young people is a growing problem, it reduces concentration and increases anxiety”.
However, some parents who were unsure or unsupportive mentioned a lack of clarity regarding how the system would work. We are now able to share more information to address this.
How would the system work?
If introduced, the process would be straightforward. Most importantly, students would keep their phones with them at all times; they simply wouldn’t be accessible during the school day.
- Arrival: Students place their phone into a personal secure pouch on arrival at school
- Check: Students show their tutor at morning line-up that the pouch is locked
- Storage: The locked pouch is placed in the student’s bag for the day
- Exit: At the end of the day, students unlock the pouch using multiple secure unlocking points as they exit the site
In the event of needing to contact your child, parents can contact the school office, and students will receive the message.
Those with specific needs would have access to adaptation.
What happens next?
We are still in the exploration phase; no final decision has been made.
Following the strong parental support, we will now move into the next stage, which includes further consultation, detailed planning, and continued dialogue with students, parents, and staff.
Our goal remains simple: to help young people be free to focus, to learn, and to connect with one another while building the self-control and moral compass they will need in a digital world. Further updates will be shared in due course.
Mr Reid
