From September, students in Jersey will be putting their phones away — literally. The Government of Jersey has announced a new policy banning mobile phone use in all schools and colleges up to the end of Key Stage 4, including break and lunch times.

It’s a big move, and one that’s already sparking debate among parents, teachers, and students. But surprisingly, many of the students themselves are welcoming the change.

“It’s going to help people concentrate more.”

Speaking from Beaulieu Convent School in Saint Helier, students shared their views on the upcoming ban.

Anya, a secondary school student, said:

“Phones — you can get lost in them really easily… having them completely out of reach during school hours is good.”

And while Anya acknowledged the practical challenge of staying in touch with family, she also recognised it was something students could work around.

Fellow student Cicely echoed this, saying:

“Most of us have grown up with phones… but letting go of them for six or seven hours a day makes you appreciate that school is a place for learning.”

For Holly, the new rule is about more than focus — it’s about wellbeing:

“Phones can blind what’s actually happening. It’s better if everyone takes a moment to look around and see if their friends are doing okay.”

“We need to work as a community”

Deputy Rob Ward, Jersey’s Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, urged families to think carefully about providing smartphones to younger children. In his letter to parents, he called for a collective effort to support children’s online safety and wellbeing.

The guidance was clear:

• If a phone is brought to school, it should be switched off and out of sight.
• Phones found in use will be confiscated under school policy.
• Parents should monitor phone use at home and speak regularly with their children about online safety.

While some might see these policies as strict, they’re being introduced with the goal to support a better learning environment, free from the constant pull of notifications, screens, and social media.

How can schools make this shift work smoothly?

Removing phones from the classroom is one thing, but managing it fairly and consistently is another. That’s where Phone Locker comes in.

Across more than 25 countries, schools are using Phone Locker’s secure, lockable phone pouches to help students stay focused while keeping their devices safely with them.

The pouches allow students to keep their phones on them during the day, but securely locked away, out of reach and out of use. They can be easily unlocked at the end of the school day, restoring access without hassle or argument.

It’s a simple, respectful solution that gives schools control over phone use, without needing to confiscate devices or rely on trust alone.

To find out more about how Phone Locker could help your school, get in touch with the team.