Emerson Park Academy Pupils Welcome New Phone-Free School Day.

Emerson Park Academy has introduced a strict new “phone-free” policy, requiring pupils to lock away their mobile phones during the school day in a move designed to improve focus, behaviour and mental wellbeing.

Under the new system, students place their phones inside special magnetic lockable pouches at the start of the day, preventing access to devices while on school grounds.

School leaders say the policy aims to:

• reduce distractions in lessons,
• tackle cyberbullying,
• improve concentration,
• and encourage more face-to-face interaction between pupils.

Phones must be switched off and kept out of sight at all times. Any visible phones, AirPods or electronic devices can be confiscated and taken to the school office.

Pupils holding the special phone pouches where their phones are stored throughout the day.

Parents are also being asked not to contact children directly during the school day unless it is an emergency, with all urgent communication going through the school office.

Strict exam rules are also in place, with phones required to remain switched off and stored away to avoid potential disqualification.

The move has reportedly been welcomed by many pupils, with some saying the policy has already helped create a calmer atmosphere around the school and reduced pressure linked to social media.

Supporters of the scheme say it strengthens growing calls for tighter restrictions on social media use for under-16s, amid increasing concerns about mental health, online bullying and excessive screen time among young people.

Speaking after visiting the school, the Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez told the Havering Daily:

“It was a pleasure to visit Emerson Park Academy today and speak to pupils and staff about the school’s new approach to mobile phones.

“Their magnetic pouch system is a practical, common sense step that helps pupils focus on learning, reduces distraction during the school day and supports teachers in maintaining a calm classroom environment.

“This is exactly why Conservatives campaigned so strongly for a proper ban on mobile phones in schools. After sustained pressure, the Government has now been forced to bring forward legislation to put existing guidance on a statutory footing, giving schools clearer backing to keep phones out of the school day.

“Emerson Park Academy is showing real leadership on this issue, and I was very pleased to hear directly from pupils and staff about the positive impact it is already having.”

The debate around phones in schools continues nationally, but Emerson Park Academy is now among a growing number of schools taking tougher action to limit mobile phone use during the school day.

The Hornchurch and Upminster MP Julia Lopez joined Assistant Headteacher Mr Dordoy and pupils at Emerson Park School in Hornchurch.

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