Smartphone free – Mulberry Academy London Dock

From September 2026, no student at Mulberry Academy London Dock will be permitted to bring a smartphone or smart device onto the school site. This policy will apply to all year groups.

A smart device, means any electronic device capable of accessing the internet, including smartphones and smartwatches, regardless of whether they are marketed as ‘restricted’ or ‘locked down’. All smart devices will be treated as prohibited items and confiscated in accordance with our behaviour policy if seen or heard on site.

Students may bring a basic call-and-text phone if required for their journey to and from school. Our ‘No See, No Hear’ will remain the same. These devices must:

Be kept switched off and in the student’s bag from arrival until they leave the school site
Not be used at any point during the school day, including lessons, breaks, lunch, or transitions
Contain no internet access or social media applications

From September 2026, a student found with a smartphone or smart device on site will have it confiscated for 10 school days, will be internally excluded for a day, and a parent or carer will be required to meet with the Principal to collect it at the end of the tenth day. If this should happen again, there will be further sanctions accordingly, and the phone will be confiscated for a longer period of time.

A student whose permitted basic phone is switched on or visible during the school day will receive a 90 minute detention, and have their phone confiscated for 2 days. A parent or carer will be required to meet with a member of senior staff to collect the phone at the end of the second day. If this should happen again, there will be further sanctions accordingly, and the phone will be confiscated for a longer period of time.

MULBERRY ACADEMY LONDON DOCK Nov 2024-514A9053

Why is Mulberry Academy London Dock smartphone free?

We have listened closely to the views of our own school community, as well as the changing picture both locally and nationally. Many of our students don’t have a mobile phone, and a significant number also have basic call and text phones.

The skills that we believe will carry our students furthest, including communication, empathy, critical thinking, and resilience, are developed through real experience and real relationships. Being smartphone-free, gives students the space to build develop and grow without the added pressures of social comparison or pull of a screen. This is not a step away from technology. Our students engage with digital tools regularly as part of their learning, and we remain committed to developing their digital literacy and online awareness throughout their time at the school.

We want our students to be safe on their way to and from school, and it can often be assumed that a smartphone is the best way to ensure that. However, smartphones don’t just offer connection, they also open the door to harmful content, group chats, and pressure to respond at all hours. Even with good intentions, they can expose young people to things they’re simply not ready for. There’s also a growing issue with phone theft. Around 500 children are mugged for their phones every day in the UK (ONS, 2019), and many secondary students admit to using their phones while walking, leading to accidents and near-misses. We understand that tracking can offer reassurance to families. Devices like Airtags are a great alternative, they’re affordable, discreet, and far less likely to be lost or stolen.

A simple brick phone (call and text only) is more than enough for emergencies or last-minute changes, and in many ways, it makes a child’s journey safer, not riskier.

Safety and communication

We understand that many families feel reassured by knowing their child can reach them. A basic call-and-text device gives families that peace of mind without the risks that come with internet-enabled devices. Our policy actively supports student safety by reducing exposure to safeguarding risks during the school day and on the journey home.

If you need to contact your child during the school day, our school office is your first point of contact and messages will be passed on. If your child needs to reach you, they can do so through the office at any time.