Ni School Introduces Safe Phone Pouches for Students

NI School Implements Phone Pouch Policy

Victoria College in Belfast is taking steps to enhance student engagement by introducing magnetic pouches for mobile phones.

Encouraging Communication

The school's principal, Karen Quinn, emphasized the importance of students being present and interacting with each other without distractions.

In a recent announcement, parents and pupils were informed about the new policy that requires all 900 students to store their phones in the provided pouches throughout the school day.

Benefits of the Pouches

Mrs. Quinn highlighted that the initiative aims to reduce the temptation of using personal devices during school hours, promoting better focus on learning and improving social interactions during breaks.

She mentioned that the school will use the pouches as a tool to educate students on responsible phone usage, allowing teachers to unlock them when necessary for educational purposes.

Student Reactions and Engagement

During an assembly, students were informed about the pouch policy, eliciting a mix of emotions and questions from the pupils.

Mrs. Quinn expressed the school's commitment to working with students to address any uncertainties and ensure a smooth transition to the new system.

Planning and Implementation

The decision to provide phone pouches was made independently by Victoria College before the Education Minister's recommendation to restrict phone use in schools.

The school invested in the pouches over the past year, prioritizing student engagement and well-being within their budget constraints.

Conclusion

Victoria College's proactive approach to enhancing student focus and communication through the use of phone pouches demonstrates a commitment to creating a conducive learning environment for all pupils.