Calling it a day with mobile phones

Ms Pheiffer, Deputy Head: Pastoral and Wellbeing, is leading this new initiative: “During morning registration, pupils in Years 7 to 10 lock their phone in an individual Yondr pouch, which they keep in their bag. Yondr’s unique technology means the pouch can only be opened via our unlocking stations, so boys have no access to their phone until they leave at the end of the day.”

Headmaster, Mr Silvester, said: “Previously our boys were instructed to keep their phone off while in school. However, mobile devices are incredibly addictive, so some pupils were tempted to use their phone during the day. Indeed, many adults can probably relate to this!

“At Wetherby Senior, we prepare our young people for further study and work in the twenty-first century, so appreciate that mobile phones, computers and the internet are an integral part of daily life. In addition, with boys traveling into central London, we understand the benefits and convenience for both parents and pupils in having a mobile. However, phones are a distraction and heavy usage can impact negatively on academic performance, social interaction and overall wellbeing. We believe limiting access during the day, through Yondr, will help boys focus on their studies and enjoy more face-to-face interaction.”

Wetherby Senior’s key aim is to support academic study, as less distractions from notifications or social media enable pupils to concentrate in lessons and actively participate in classroom discussions. However, the initiative is also part of our School’s plan to further improve pupil wellbeing.

Ms Pheiffer explains: “We offer a huge range of co-curricular opportunities in sport, music, drama and more, alongside our programme of academic learning. These activities mean boys can develop their social skills, enjoy new experiences and form long-lasting friendships. So, by reducing reliance on digital communication via mobile phones, and engaging fully with co-curricular opportunities, our boys will build stronger relationships and further develop important social skills that are vital for future personal and professional interactions.”

Ms Pheiffer also believes Yondr will help pupils better balance their own screen time, now and in the future: “With each school day meaning time away from mobile devices, our pupils can learn to prioritise their academic responsibilities and develop a healthy regular relationship with technology. This will benefit their years at Wetherby Senior and beyond, as they continue their studies at university and move into the workplace.”

Indeed, Wetherby Senior’s use of Yondr is part of a suite of activities to ensure boys experience a modern education and build their digital literacy, whilst still learning to be responsible and respectful online. For example, engaging healthily with technology continues to form an important element of our School’s PSHE programme, with outside speakers invited to talk to both pupils and parents throughout the year.

In addition, the start of the new academic year saw all in Year 9 at Wetherby Senior issued with Surface Gos to support their academic studies. All other pupils will use Surface Gos regularly, while sixth formers have their own devices to support their A Level studies and university applications.

Mr Silvester said: “Digital literacy is an important part of a modern education which is why, at Wetherby Senor, we have carefully structured exposure to digital learning firmly embedded in our curriculum. We are committed to encouraging and supporting our young people in learning to use computers and the latest technology safely and responsibility, thus preparing our boys to be adaptable and ready for further study and employment.”

“Feedback from current Wetherby Senior parents, particularly regarding the introduction of Yondr, has been overwhelmingly positive. It has been a fantastic start to the new academic year at Wetherby Senior, with boys enjoying sensible and structured use of computers in lessons and then playing battleships, with paper and pen, during lunch break!”