Victoria College in Belfast is set to enhance its educational environment by introducing magnetic pouches for its 900 pupils to securely store mobile phones during the school day. This initiative, spearheaded by Principal Karen Quinn, aims to reduce distractions and promote better communication among students.
The decision to implement these phone pouches follows nearly a year of planning. On Thursday, the school communicated the details of this policy to both pupils and parents. The pouches, which can also accommodate other electronic devices such as smartwatches and wireless ear pods, will be offered at a cost slightly lower than that of most GCSE or A-Level textbooks.
The pouches are designed to lock securely and can only be unlocked with a magnet, ensuring that students will not have access to their devices throughout the school day. While the policy does not prevent students from bringing their phones to school, it explicitly prohibits their use during school hours. This decision aligns with guidance from Education Minister Paul Givan, who has previously advised schools in Northern Ireland to restrict mobile phone usage while on campus.
Principal Quinn expressed her belief that the initiative will foster improved communication skills among pupils. "There's still a temptation when they have their phone and we know they're using them, so we've decided to purchase pouches that are secure for the pupils," she stated. The school's approach not only emphasizes the importance of minimizing distractions but also seeks to educate students on responsible phone usage. "What we're going to do is use these pouches alongside our policy to teach them how to responsibly use their phones," she added.
Pupils have exhibited a range of reactions to the new policy. Charlotte, one of the students, was initially "quite apprehensive" but has since come to recognize the potential "long-term benefits" of the plan. Meanwhile, her classmate Connie expressed surprise at first but has also embraced the idea, noting its advantages for her studies. Sarah shared her concerns about adjusting to the change but ultimately feels that it will positively impact her academic performance. "The school has our best interests at heart and we will thank them for this digital detox in the future when we get our results," she remarked.
Quinn acknowledged the mixed feelings among students: "They have questions, they are nervous, they are excited." She emphasized the importance of open communication between the school administration and students: "We've asked them to have an open mind and to engage with us so we can make it right for the college." Already, several pupils have approached her office with suggestions regarding the implementation of the pouches.
The initiative aims to create a learning environment where students can focus more on their studies and less on their devices. "There will be pupils who this will cause some uncertainty to, and we just want to work with them and bring everyone with us," Quinn stated.
