Runcorn High School Bans Mobile Phones to Improve Student Wellbeing

Will Ditching Devices Boost Learning and Mental Health?

A high school in Runcorn is taking a bold step this January – banning mobile phones during the school day. Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy, part of the Ormiston Trust, says the move will help create a better learning environment, improve behaviour, and support students’ mental health. But not everyone agrees, with some parents worried that taking phones away could increase anxiety for certain pupils.

What’s Changing?

From January onwards, pupils at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy will hand in their phones at the start of the school day and only get them back before heading home. The trust has already introduced similar bans in some of its 44 schools nationwide, including Ormiston Chadwick Academy in Widnes, which made the change in September.

According to a trust spokesperson:

“Over time, we believe it is desirable for us to move to a position where children do not access their phones at all throughout the school day. Teaching and learning, behaviour and children’s mental health are all impacted negatively by mobile phones.”

Why the Ban?

The school believes that without the distraction of phones, students will be more focused in class, leading to higher academic standards and better behaviour. The trust claims to have seen positive feedback in other schools that have already implemented the ban, with improvements noted in both learning and mental wellbeing.

Concerns from Parents

Not everyone is convinced. One concerned parent questioned whether removing phones could do more harm than good, particularly for students who rely on their devices for a sense of security:

“What is the need for children to be stripped away from the one thing that keeps them safe? For many, it can be a safety magnet, something that can stop anxiety.”

There’s also the worry that students won’t be able to quickly contact home in emergencies. Parents wonder if they can fully trust the school to safeguard their child’s device and ensure students can reach out if something urgent happens.

A Balancing Act

While the school says the move supports high standards and mental health goals, it now faces the challenge of easing parents’ fears. Is removing phones entirely the right choice, or should there be a middle ground?

At Ormiston Chadwick Academy, where the ban is already in effect, the trust insists the results have been “really positive” – not only with parents and staff, but notably with the students themselves, who may find they can better concentrate on their studies and social interactions without constant screen time.

What’s Next?

As the ban comes into effect after Christmas, all eyes will be on Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy to see if it delivers the promised benefits. Will pupils adapt easily to the new rules, or will the anxiety concerns raised by parents come to fruition?

For now, the school is confident that going “phone-free” is the key to improving learning, behaviour, and mental health – and they’re ready to prove it.