Pupils trade smartphone use for no homework

Solihull School pupils Ethan, Charlie, Lauren, Claudie and Isabella (pictured left to right) said they were enjoying the initiative

Pupils at a school are being offered the chance to not have homework for two weeks - but only if they use their smartphones less and read a book instead.

Staff at Solihull School, an independent primary and secondary school, said the scheme aimed to help pupils kick off the new year with less screen time and instill a love of reading instead.

"[We've] said: 'Ditch your device, pick up a book and get reading'," said head teacher Charles Fillingham.

Pupils told BBC Radio WM they were enjoying the change and it had helped them to be on their phones less.

"It's encouraging me to just put those devices back on charge, away, at the end of the lounge," said Lauren.

Another pupil, Isabella, said it was easy to "forget the benefits of just reading a book" when people tended to turn to their screens in their free time.

Head teacher Charles Fillingham hoped the initiative would help foster "a lifelong love of reading"

Mr Fillingham said he hoped the initiative, which covers smartphones and other screen-based devices, would help "create a lifelong love of reading" among pupils.

"Education is a balance - it's not all about being super prepared for a super-electronic future, we want creativity, we want innovation, we want children to get lost in a book," he added.

Under the scheme, pupils below sixth-form level can choose to read any fiction or non-fiction book and they are asked to share what they learn with their class.

Sixth-form students have been given reading material to support their A-level studies and upcoming decisions about their future.

"It has definitely helped me put my phone down," said Ethan, who was using the time to read articles about maths.

The government has stopped short of a legal ban on smartphones in schools, but it issued guidance last year to ensure that schools put restrictions in place.