Crime cash to help schools go phone-free
29/06/2026
Its hoped the money will keep young people safe and reduce distractions in the classroom
More than £250,000 of funding seized from criminals is being used to help secondary schools across the Thames Valley become mobile phone-free.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber has announced £255,000 to support schools in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes with the purchase of secure phone storage, including lockable pouches, lockers and storage boxes.
The aim is to prevent pupils from using their phones during the school day while still allowing access before and after school.
Mr Barber said: “Smartphones have clear benefits, but we’re also increasingly aware of the potential harms they can cause. Schools and the police see first-hand the safeguarding issues brought about by mobile phone use, such as online conflict and bullying, peer pressure and exposure to harmful content as well as vulnerability to exploitation.”
He said investing money seized from criminals would help keep young people safe, reduce distractions in the classroom and give pupils a break from the pressures of being online.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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