Northern Ireland

East Belfast school bans mobile phones to get pupils 'talking again'

The school is to limit the use of mobile phones
The school is to limit the use of mobile phones The school is to limit the use of mobile phones

AN east Belfast school is to restrict the use of mobile phones in a bid to get pupils "talking again".

The principal of Bloomfield Collegiate School has written to parents to inform them that a "mobile phone ban would be put in place for the remainder of the term".

Gary Greer said the new measures were being introduced as he had "real concerns about mental health and the lack of ability to socialise due to too much screen time during lockdown".

"It has been reported to me that there is absolute silence for 30 minutes on school buses as all girls are using mobile phones," he wrote.

"That is replicated in many form rooms before the start of registration.

"I never thought that I would say it but we need to get the girls talking again."

He also said that "every issue brought to our attention since the return to school has involved social media and the use of phones in school", adding "we have had enough to deal with this year".

Mr Greer said the mobile phone restrictions include "use on site before school, in registration and in classroom activities".

"Phones may be used, under supervision, in some circumstances, eg when activities have been cancelled or from the first aid room, but only when supervised," he said.

"Phones which are seen will be sent to reception and can be collected at the end of the day. If this is repeated, a parent/guardian must collect the phone."