Mobile phones banned in two high schools from today

Chris Gregory is from Isle of Play - a charity encouraging children to play outside.

While he believes it's a really positive move, he thinks it highlights a wider issue:

However it's something that's been met with mixed reactions from parents.

Some parents have said that teachers often ask students to use their devices during class when there isn't enough equipment to go around.

Others say they want their children to be able to contact them if they need to - for example if they need money adding to their food or bus cards or they want to go to a friend's house after school.

For parent Lynzie Miller though, she wants her son to be able to use his smartphone for his own safety:

The Department of Education, Sport and Culture is currently developing a similar policy to be implemented across all schools not already enforcing the rule.

It says the basis will be that phones are to be turned off and stored away whilst students are in school.

The policy aims to address some of the challenges posed by mobile phone use schools such as lesson disruption, bullying, damage to devices, inappropriate use.

DESC says there will be exceptions where certain usage of mobile phones will be allowed such as for those who need them to monitor medical conditions.

Any parents or guardians wishing to contact their child during the school day will only be able to do so by contacting the school office.

It's not known when the policy will be introduced although Education Minister Daphne Caine hopes it will be before the end of the autumn term.

If you want to find out more about this story you can listen to this episode of Island Life: