A BARNOLDSWICK school has banned its students from using mobile phones after they were used to invade privacy and to bully, the headteacher said.

West Craven High School has written to parents to inform them of the change in policy which will come into effect when pupils return from the Easter break on Monday.

In a document on its website, the school said that they were a "proven serious distraction" and had been used as a "means of intimidating and bullying other pupils".

West Craven headteacher Craig Baker said: “From April 25, the use of mobile phones will no longer be allowed at any time during the school day on school premises.

“This includes breaks and lunchtimes, the rule applies across the whole school site both inside and outside of the building.

“If any staff see any child’s mobile phone, they will confiscate it.

“It will be stored safely and may be collected at the end of the day by a parent or carer.

“It has proved necessary to implement this change due to the adverse effect of mobile phone use on learning.

“Mobile phones are an unnecessary distraction to students and are sometimes used inappropriately as a tool to invade other people’s privacy and as a means to bully other people.

“We would be grateful if you could support your child by ensuring that they understand the importance of complying fully with this rule and that there are no exceptions to this rule.

“If you have any questions about this rule change, please do not hesitate to contact the school.”

Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson said: “I’m all for a blanket ban as schools should be places where students are focused on learning and not being distracted by their phones.

“Certainly when I was growing up mobile phones were just coming on the scene and there was a blanket ban at all schools.

“Bullying is moving more online and we are seeing across the whole country a move towards more cyber bullying instead of in person and I support this action by the school.

“I think that it will help solve a problem and also prevent further harm being done in the future.

“It’s important that mobile phones are removed from the equation.”