A Co Kerry school has become the first in Ireland to introduce an innovative system designed to limit the use of mobile phones by students.
Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne introduced the 'Yondr' system to create phone free spaces for the students, enhancing the educational experience, while also significantly reducing the possibility of smart phone misuse in the school setting.
As students enter the school building they are required to place their phones in specialised pouches which are then secured by magnetic lock.
The phone can only be released from the pouch by returning to a device outside the building and holding the pouch against it to deactivate the lock.
This allows the student to retain the device on their person while also preventing unnecessary distraction during class-time.
School principal Éamonn Fitzmaurice says the system, which is manufactured by a US company, is working effectively and has greatly enhanced the educational experience of the students.
"I was listening to the radio one day and I heard about a Madonna concert in London where she had used this system to encourage people to stay focused on her music rather than recording everything on their phones. It got me thinking then that it might be a positive system to bring into a school environment."
"The younger generation communicate through their phones, they live a lot of their life on their phones through social media and so on. If you have a phone in your pocket and notifications are coming through, constantly vibrating, the natural thing to do is wonder "who is sending me that message?, I wonder what's going on?, It can be very distracting and it can be difficult to concentrate on your school-work."
While students cannot access their phones during class-time they can release their phones from the pouches at lunchtime.
The phones can also be released with the permission of teachers if they need to be utilised as part of an educational task.
Maths teacher Tomás Ó Beaglaoich says the adoption of the system has enhanced the learning experience for the 400 students in the community school.
"There might have been a bit of scepticism at the beginning, that it was a bit draconian and that the students might feel they were in some kind of prison, but everyone seems quite happy with it."
"You can see it in the students. The distractions aren’t there and the mind isn’t wandering during class. I think they enjoy the break from the constant pinging."
The new approach to device management has also helped counter the potential for misuse of phones by students.
Sixth year student Faye Greely says the system has brought with it a sense of security and a healthier environment for students.
"Phones can be the root of a lot of problems in schools, things like cyberbullying. You can have inappropriate pictures and video being taken in schools, pictures of teachers, or in the toilets and being shared on messaging apps. You can have nasty messages. The 'Yondr’ definitely reduces the chance of bullying."
However, given the strong attachment and fondness many teenagers have towards their devices some students, such as Conor Corduff, have naturally been slow to warm to the concept of having their phones muted.
"Nah. It’s not the best thing in the world, like, is it? I don’t really like it personally. I’d prefer to have my phone on. I miss it but I can understand the benefits. I‘ve noticed you definitely talk more to your friends between classes and things. So, we’ll have to put up with it I suppose."
