Parents slam 'ludicrous and controlling' mobile phone ban at Nottinghamshire school

In a letter to parents, the Dukeries Academy in Ollerton announced pupils would not be permitted to use phones on-site ‘at any point’ during the school day from September.

The ban extends to students across the board, including those in the school’s Sixth Form, and hopes to encourage ‘focus on learning and positive social interaction’.

The letter added that any pupil needing to contact home should inform Student Services during a break- and that there would be ‘a serious sanction’ for those found to be breaking the new rules.

The announcement was met with mixed views from parents when the letter was posted to the school’s Facebook page.

Claire Jessop branded the ban ‘ludicrous and controlling’, adding: “I’m not supporting this in any way shape or form. If my daughters were breaking rules by using them in class then so be it, punish them.

“However, using them in their personal break time isn’t a problem.”

Alan Weston said: “Not sure how the academy will police this new policy, to be honest.

“As long as they’re not used during lessons and only used at break time, I can’t see a problem. More like creating a massive problem as I see it.”

However, some supported the ban- with Clive Parkin posting: “Parents, as well as pupils, need to allow the headteacher of the school to administer rules- the alternative is a slippery slope to anarchy.

“The fact that it is 2020 is irrelevant. We all managed without the constant need to indulge in, often inane, social media.

“If we are not careful, we will lose a generation of kids to almost 100 per cent digital stimulation. Time out, in the interest of balance, is all I’m supporting here.”

Natalye agreed: “Well done Dukeries- ten years too late, in my opinion. God forbid children should actually talk to each other at break.”

The Chad has contacted the Dukeries Academy for comment.

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