Talbot Heath School is proud to reaffirm its commitment to student wellbeing, following recent guidance from both BCP Council and Dorset Council encouraging schools to review their mobile phone rules to support young people’s mental health. While local authorities are now urging schools to limit or ban smartphone use during the school day, Talbot Heath was ahead of the curve—introducing a comprehensive policy in 2024 that has already delivered significant benefits for pupils across the school.
In the Junior School, pupils in Year 6 and below are not permitted to bring mobile phones into school. For Senior School pupils, Talbot Heath adopted the Yondr pouch system, ensuring that phones are securely locked magnetically upon arrival and only unlocked at the end of the day. This simple but effective system reduces distraction, limits online pressures during school hours, and helps pupils remain present and engaged.
Anna Talbot, the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and Interim Head, has reported overwhelmingly positive feedback since the policy was introduced. “We have seen improved focus in lessons, more meaningful social interaction, and a noticeable reduction in issues linked to mobile phone use,” she said. “Our aim has always been to create a safe, calm learning environment, and this initiative has made a tangible difference.”
The phone-free approach is just one part of Talbot Heath’s wider wellbeing strategy. The school continues to prioritise emotional intelligence, resilience, and mental health through initiatives such as The Oasis, a dedicated wellbeing room that provides pupils with a calm, supportive space to regulate emotions, reflect, and seek guidance. These initiatives align with the school’s longstanding belief in nurturing the whole child and equipping young people with the skills they need for the 21st century.
Talbot Heath is committed to supporting the wider community and is happy to speak with local schools about the practicalities and benefits of implementing mobile‑free policies or adopting the Yondr system. By working together, schools across the region can help promote a healthier, more focused, and more positive environment for all young people.
