A Middlesbrough school is tightening its rules around mobile phones, with pupils soon unable to access their devices during the school day.
Outwood Academy Normanby is strengthening its phone-free policy through a new partnership with American technology company Yondr.
From October 12, the secondary school will introduce lockable pouches for pupils' mobile phones.
The pouches work by securing the phones from the start of the school day until they leave - preventing access during lessons, breaktimes and other school activities.
Outwood Academy Normanby has partnered with Yondr to introduce lockable phone pouches from October 12. (Image: Yondr)
The school says the new rules are designed to help pupils focus on learning, social interaction and school life without the distraction of phones and social media.
Outwood schools are already phone-free, but the new system aims to make the policy more consistent and reliable in line with the latest Department for Education guidance.
Cara Ackroyd, executive principal at Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: "Our schools have always been phone-free environments, but in line with the latest Department for Education guidance, we are strengthening our approach.
"We wanted a clear, consistent solution that works seamlessly across our whole school community, for staff, pupils, and parents alike.
"Partnering with Yondr allows us to reinforce our existing expectations with a practical, unified system.
"Our aim remains simple: to maintain a focused environment where pupils can participate fully in lessons, build stronger relationships with those around them, and stay safe.
"By removing digital distractions during the school day, we are giving pupils the space to be present, engage deeply, and thrive, while allowing our teachers to focus on teaching."
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Yondr says more than three million pupils worldwide now use the system, which has been adopted by schools across the UK, Europe and the United States.
An increasing number of schools across the UK are turning to the scheme in a bid to cut smartphone use and improve focus in the classroom.
Yondr says schools using the system have already reported better classroom focus, behaviour and wellbeing, along with fewer lesson disruptions.
Outwood Academy Normanby will hold information sessions for parents and carers before the rollout to explain the new system and help ensure a smooth transition.