Sherborne Girls takes new approach to technology

This term has seen a new approach to technology at Sherborne Girls.

We recognise that educating our students to use technology effectively and safely is of primary importance. This means not only embracing the power of technology for learning but also understanding its limitations and the effects of too much screen time, says Jenny Dwyer, Headmistress.  

The new policy is the culmination of a detailed consultation process in which the school, led by its student Digital Leaders, surveyed the girls, parents and staff, and sought advice from leading experts. The findings were unanimous; that too much screen time causes emotional, physical and academic detriment, and action must be taken. This view was reinforced by leading expert in neuroscience and psychology, Dr Aric Sigman, who gave a fascinating talk to staff at the start of term. Dr Sigman presented further evidence of the risks associated with screen time and screen dependency on sleep deprivation and subsequent health (and educational) implications. He also advocated a sensible approach to guiding teenagers, rather than attempting to impose a total ban. 

Responding to this advice, along with its survey findings, Sherborne Girls has taken the decision to alter its school policy, reducing pupil access to mobile devices in the interest of the girls’ wellbeing. It has also called on its parents to support the changes and adopt a similar stance at home. All girls in Years 7-11 are now asked to leave their mobile phones in the boarding houses during lesson time and to hand in their devices an hour before bedtime. They are, however, encouraged to use tablets and/or laptops to support their academic studies and can bring these into lessons. By differentiating between the devices used for academic use and mobile phones for social use, the school hopes that it can encourage correct use of tablets and laptops for learning and limit exposure to social media during the working day.

It is important that this is not seen as a step backwards in our approach to technology but rather a promotion of good learning habits,” comments Ben Gudgeon, Deputy Head Pastoral. “We continue to value, teach and encourage the use of technology, and recognise it as a crucial life-skill. However, the technological revolution has moved at such an extreme pace that we have had little time to reflect on the impact, especially on teenagers. Our intention is to limit over-use of devices and encourage our girls to use technology sensibly and safely. It is also vital that our girls get a good night’s sleep

The new policy has not been rolled out to Sixth form girls who are trusted to make sensible decisions for themselves. However, they have been presented the evidence and have been reminded to use their devices with discretion and consideration of others. Many of the sixth formers have decided to hand their devices into the ‘phone crèche’ at night of their own volition, thus removing the temptation altogether! 
 
The student Digital Leaders were also keen that the adults in the school community were better digital role models and so members of staff are being asked to reflect on their own use of technology. Taking it one step further, the school is also reviewing its internal communication processes, in the hope that it can reduce the amount of email traffic and encourage fact to face conversations instead.
 
The response to Sherborne Girls’ new approach to technology has been overwhelmingly positive. The girls are already beginning to recognise the benefits and parents have widely applauded the action with one Year 11 parent commenting,

“I can't tell you how pleased we are that the school has taken this decision. It is very refreshing to see an institution taking the (short term) difficult decision and doing the right thing. I hope other schools will follow suit. I have no doubt that the girls will, one day, understand and be grateful.”