KS3 Blackout Pilot

GLF Schools will be piloting new mobile phone technology across four secondary schools to support the wellbeing of our students. This initiative, in collaboration with Blackout Technologies, will run after the February half-term and will involve all students in Years 7-9 (Key Stage 3).

 

Why Are We Launching This Pilot? 

The rise in smartphone usage amongst young people has been linked to increased anxiety, reduced concentration, and disrupted sleep patterns, as highlighted in the book The Anxious Generation and recent documentaries. While we don’t believe there is a specific issue with phone usage at our schools, we aim to foster healthier habits for our students through this pilot.  

Schools across the country have adopted different solutions to this problem, including banning phones.

What is Blackout? 

Blackout is an innovative mobile app that helps students maintain a healthier relationship with their phones. It works by blocking access to distracting apps, including social media, games, and web browsers, during school hours. The app allows essential functions, such as calls, SMS, maps, and calendars, to remain accessible, ensuring students can stay connected with their families for necessary communication. Blackout is available to download from the App Store or Google Play.

During school hours, the app will disable cameras and recording features, and block social media, games, and encrypted messaging platforms, while maintaining access to calls, SMS, maps and calendars. 

Expected benefits for our students include more focus in the classroom, a calmer school environment with fewer phone-related disruptions, and improved wellbeing. 

We will assess the impact of the pilot through surveys and feedback from students, parents, and staff. Key metrics include improved focus, reduced disruptions, and enhanced well-being. As with any new technology, there will be learnings throughout the process. The findings will help determine whether this initiative will be expanded more widely. 

For more information please visit Blackout Solutions.

FAQs

What is the Blackout App and how does it work? 

The Blackout App is a tool that regulates the use of smart devices during school hours. Messaging (iOS Messenger, Android SMS), settings, calendar, contacts and Apple Maps/Google Maps are still accessible. All apps downloaded from the App Store or Play Store are inaccessible including web browsers and camera functionality.  

Will Blackout work on all smartphones? 

Blackout will operate on devices that run Android 11+ and iOS 16+ 

What are the exact operational hours of the blackout app? 

This will be set by each school but will be for the duration of the school day. 

What data does the App collect? 

Blackout does not access personal or private information stored on your device, this includes app usage, browser history, behaviour, messages, or photos or your location. Its sole purpose is to block non-critical apps during school hours to create a focused learning environment.  

What if I just disable / remove the app? 

The school will be notified if the app is disabled and removed, and a follow-up conversation will take place to understand the reason for the removal.

Under agreed circumstances, the school may grant discretionary access to critical apps. Students who have a medical condition that require the use of apps on their phone will be exempt from this pilot.

Can my teachers see what's on my device? 

No, the app does not provide anyone in school with access to your personal data. It solely limits access to predefined apps and websites within defined school hours. 

What permissions does the app use & why? 

The app requests permissions necessary to enforce security policies, such as disabling the camera. These permissions are used solely for implementing the required restrictions and ensuring compliance. 

Why do students need to have it? 

Your school has chosen Blackout to help regulate smartphone usage, enhancing student well-being, productivity, and peer engagement. It addresses issues like social media addiction and cyberbullying, anxiety, depression, promoting responsible device usage. 

Can I refuse to have it on my smart device? 

Yes, but we would encourage a conversation and remind students, parents and carers, of the benefits this app will have in terms of reducing anxiety, improving concentration and general well-being.

What if I need to contact my child at school? 

SMS messages and phone calls remain functional while Blackout is active, for emergency communication, subject to school mobile phone rules. 

At Merstham Park, if you need to get a message to your child, please contact the school office. 

How does Blackout work with parental controls?

Blackout complements parental controls, and when set up will prevent deletion of the Blackout app. We recommend setting up parental controls alongside Blackout for enhanced device management. The following guides are available: Apple  Google  Samsung

What if I need to use my device for emergencies during the school day?  

SMS messages and phone calls remain functional while Blackout is active, for emergency communication, subject to school mobile phone rules. 

At Merstham Park, please go to Student Services who will contact home for you.

What if I am absent from school, will my device work?  

During Term Time, Blackout will disable apps during school hours. If access is required when you are authorised as absent from school, then the app may need to be disabled. However, you may prefer to continue to take a break from social media and games sites as you would if you were in school. 

What happens during school holidays? 

Blackout is only operational during Term Time and school hours.