"Researchers have launched a pioneering study to investigate if keeping smartphones in a lockable pouch while at school impacts students’ behaviour and academic performance.

Dr Nicola Kalk, Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist and co-investigator on the study added, “If successful, the study could lay the groundwork for new strategies aimed at fostering healthier relationships with smartphones both inside and outside the classroom.

"With the inclusion of schools across the UK and Northern Ireland, this research may offer valuable insights into effective smartphone use reduction strategies in a variety of communities, providing schools with a model that could be implemented on a wider scale."

"If we can better understand how structured limits can prevent transition to addictive behaviours, we may be able to design more effective, scalable approaches to reducing digital dependency and improving mental health outcomes across this age group.”"

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