Students use smartphones without homework

Pupils at one school are being given the chance to skip homework for two weeks – but only if they use their smartphones less and read a book instead.

Staff at Solihull School, an independent primary and secondary school, said the scheme aims to help pupils start the new year with less screen time and instead develop a love of reading.

“(We’ve) said: ‘Put down your device, pick up a book and start reading’,” said head teacher Charles Fillingham.

Pupils told BBC Radio WM they are enjoying the change and it has helped them be on their phones less.

“It’s encouraging me to put those devices back on charge at the end of the lounge,” Lauren said.

Another student, Isabella, said it was easy to “forget the benefits of simply reading a book” when people turned to their screens in their free time.

Mr Fillingham said he hoped the initiative, which involves smartphones and other screen-based devices, would help “foster a lifelong love of reading” among pupils.

He said, “Education is a balance – it’s not about being fully prepared for a super-electronic future, we want creativity, we want innovation, we want children to get lost in books.”

Under the scheme, students below class six can choose to read any fiction or non-fiction book and are asked to share what they learn with their class.

Sixth form students have been given reading material to support their A-level studies and upcoming decisions about their future.

“It’s definitely helped me get off my phone,” said Ethan, who was using the time to read articles about math.

the government has There is no legal ban on smartphones in schoolsBut it issued guidelines last year to ensure that schools impose restrictions.