Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner unveils a plan to fund lockable phone pouches in state secondary schools, aiming to make the county the first to implement a full-day phone ban.

The plan envisions all state high schools adopting the pouches, with the goal of reducing online safeguarding incidents, bullying, and classroom distractions, targeting a full rollout by 2026 and potential matched funding from public and philanthropic sources to accelerate progress.

£150,000 is earmarked to support pupils on free school meals, with participating schools covering any remaining costs for all students.

Schools will receive information materials for parents and pupils and guidance from existing implementers, with pooled procurement estimated to save about £8.75 per pupil.

Esther Ghey, Brianna Ghey’s mother, backs the initiative, arguing it would improve safety and focus in classrooms and could inspire other commissioners nationwide.

The plan follows Esther Ghey’s campaign for phones-out policies and is praised as a means to boost wellbeing, safety, and classroom focus.

Advocates emphasize benefits such as reduced online bullying, fewer distractions, and fewer exclusions, framing the measure as crime-prevention.

NAHT’s Sarah Hannafin welcomed the funding, noting it helps ensure the restrictions’ effectiveness beyond existing policies.

Education groups, including NAHT, support funding for effective phone bans and stress balancing safety with the benefits of mobile technology.

The plan contrasts with prior non-statutory guidance and aligns with a survey showing high adoption of phone-use restrictions in schools, though some secondary schools still allow limited use.

Birchwood Community High School in Warrington, Brianna Ghey’s former school, has already piloted lockable pouches and demonstrates the approach in action.

Nine Cheshire mainstream high schools already use lockable pouches with early results indicating improved wellbeing and reduced online safeguarding incidents, supporting wider roll-out.