Locked away in EVERY school in Cheshire
I want Cheshire to be the first county in the UK where ALL state high schools have lockable phone pouches – and I’m backing it with a significant funding plan.
Tomorrow (Friday 7th November), I’ve invited head teachers from every state high school in the county to meet me to hear more.
Right now, only nine of Cheshire’s mainstream high schools have introduced lockable phone pouches. While many schools have ‘out of sight’ mobile bans, these are often ineffective or problematic to enforce, with teachers bearing the brunt.
Those schools with lockable pouches are seeing immediate, widespread, positive results in wellbeing and a dramatic reduction in online safeguarding incidents; one quoting an 80% reduction. Behaviour is better, concentration is up and one school has seen a fivefold increase in library usage since introducing pouches, as well as a surge in interest in enrichment activities.
From a crime prevention perspective, this is an absolute no-brainer.
Less online bullying, less access to potentially harmful or violent content, less distractions, less exclusions. In Cheshire of all places, we know the impact this can have. That’s why we must make this happen here.
Last month, I joined Esther Ghey as she launched a national Phone Free Education campaign in Parliament. I’d like Cheshire to lead by being the first county in the UK to make it happen. So…
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I’ve set aside significant funds seized from criminals to support Cheshire schools to adopt phone pouches, targeting those most in need
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I’ll deliver a county-wide procurement scheme to reduce costs
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I’ve created a support package for the schools that have already adopted this to allow them to share best practice and learning with others
Together, we have the power to protect the next generation. There has been a lot of interest in this news, so please follow my facebook page for more updates over the next few days.
And, as always, send me a reply to this email if you have any thoughts on this.
Best,
Dan
Dan Price
Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire