Should mobile phones be banned in schools?

More and more schools in the UK and the US are asking pupils to lock phones away for the whole day. Some use special pouches, others simply ask students to leave them at home or hand them in at the gate.

Supporters say the results are clear in many classrooms: fewer distractions, more conversation at break time and less online drama during the school day. Teachers report that pupils concentrate better when notifications are not buzzing in their pockets.

Many parents, however, want to be able to reach their children, especially on the journey to and from school. Some students rely on phones for travel passes, calculators or learning apps, and critics say schools should teach responsible use rather than banning it.

Some schools choose a middle path: phones allowed on the way in, but switched off and out of sight during lessons.

What is the best policy for schools? Share your vote and see what others think.