Smartwatches

Dear Parent,

There has been much debate recently about mobile phones in schools, which I am sure you have followed with interest. Here at Blessed Edward’s, we have, for several years, allowed students to bring mobile devices into college with strict limitations on their use. These limitations are outlined in our Mobile Device Policy, which can be found here https://www.blessededward.co.uk/about-us/policies-and-documents/

It is well evidenced that mobile phones are a distraction to learning, which is why we take a robust approach to their use in school. Recently, we have noticed an increasing number of students wearing smartwatches, which, in effect, function as mobile phones on the wrist. While they may not offer the same experience as a phone, they still allow students to send messages, use apps, browse the internet, and receive notifications—all of which can divert attention from learning.

For this reason, I have decided that, from Monday 28th April , students will no longer be allowed to wear smartwatches in school. Any student found in possession of a smartwatch will have it confiscated and returned to their parent. If a student refuses to hand over a smartwatch, they will be dealt with in line with our College Behaviour Policy. Students will still be permitted to bring a mobile phone to school, provided they adhere to the rules regarding its use.

Thank you in advance for your support in implementing this change to our policy on smartwatches. If you would like to discuss this or any other aspect of our Mobile Device Policy, please do not hesitate to contact me at the college.

Yours sincerely,

Greg McClarey