ILC Mobile Phone Policy
Creating a Focused & Engaging Learning Environment for All Students
Mobile Phone Policy for All Courses at The International Language Centre (ILC)
At The International Language Centre (ILC), we are committed to providing a focused, engaging, and distraction-free learning environment across all our courses. To help students fully benefit from their learning experience, we have implemented a Mobile Phone Policy designed to minimise distractions, encourage active participation, and promote meaningful social interaction. Inspired by best practices from leading educational institutions like Eton College, which limits smartphone use to improve focus and well-being, our policy reflects our dedication to creating an optimal learning atmosphere.Purpose of the Policy
This policy is designed to:- Enhance learning outcomes – Reduce distractions so students can fully engage with lessons.
- Promote social interaction – Encourage students to build communication skills through real-life conversations.
- Protect privacy and well-being – Prevent inappropriate phone use, such as taking photos or videos, ensuring a safe and respectful environment.
Mobile Phone Rules for All ILC Courses
1. No Mobile Phones During Lessons
- Students must turn off their mobile phones before lessons begin and place them in a designated storage area or lockbox provided by ILC.
- Phones will remain stored for the entire session, including during break times.
2. Emergency Situations
- If a student needs to contact a parent, they may request permission from the instructor to use their phone in a supervised area.
- Parents can contact the ILC reception during class hours for urgent matters.
3. Break Times
- Phones will remain stored during break times to encourage students to socialise and recharge without distractions.
4. Educational Exceptions
- Phones may only be used for educational purposes with explicit approval from the instructor (e.g., for language-learning apps).
Consequences for Violating the Policy
To ensure compliance, the following measures will be taken if a student uses their phone without permission:- First offense – A verbal reminder, and the phone will be returned to storage.
- Second offense – The phone will remain in storage until the end of the day, and parents will be informed.
- Repeated offenses – A meeting with parents/guardians will be arranged to discuss further steps, including possible suspension from the course.
Why This Policy Matters
1. Enhancing Focus and Engagement
Studies show that mobile phones reduce concentration in learning environments. By removing distractions, students are able to focus fully on their lessons, leading to better learning outcomes.2. Encouraging Social Skills
ILC courses are not just about English—they’re about communication, teamwork, and interaction. Limiting phone use encourages students to engage with their peers, build friendships, and practice English in real-life situations.3. Ensuring Safety and Privacy
Restricting phone use protects student privacy and prevents inappropriate usage, such as unauthorised photography or video recording.4. Building Healthy Technology Habits
Inspired by institutions like Eton College, which limits smartphone use for students, our policy helps learners develop a balanced relationship with technology, allowing them to focus on education and personal development.Parental Support
We kindly ask parents to support this policy by:- Encouraging their children to follow the mobile phone rules.
- Contacting ILC reception for urgent matters instead of calling or messaging students during lessons.
- Reinforcing the importance of staying focused and fully engaging in learning.
