Creating a More Connected School Community

At Shipston High, we believe that communication is an essential part of growing up. The opportunity to talk, listen, laugh and build friendships with others is an important part of students’ wellbeing and development, and we want to create as many opportunities for this as possible.

We recognise that mobile phones are an important part of modern life and we do not want to demonise their use. However, the constant presence of smart devices can create distraction and temptation, while social media can contribute to anxiety, online bullying and pressures for young people.

Our introduction of Blackout technology is designed to help students develop a healthy and responsible relationship with their phones. Rather than banning devices or requiring students to place them in pouches, Blackout enables us to restrict phone use within school while students remain responsible for and in possession of their own devices.

By working with students and families to protect against the distraction of phones throughout the school day, we hope to encourage students to look up, talk to one another and make new friendships. We believe that creating space for genuine face-to-face communication will help build a happier, more connected school community where students can enjoy their time together and benefit from the positive impact of strong friendships.