Head teachers are getting tough on pupils who allow their mobile phones to go off in class.

Teachers have vowed to stop their lessons being disrupted by the sound of mobile phones ringing.

In previous years, pupils' crazes have led to classrooms being taken over by everything from cyber pets to yo-yos, which has forced schools to crack down on them.

But now, head teachers across Sussex are having to re-assess their policies to cope with youngsters as young as 12 owning mobile phones before the situation gets out of control.

Mobiles have not been banned outright as staff believe they are a safety asset for youngsters going to and from school.

But strict warnings have been issued at schools across Sussex ordering that mobiles be switched off as soon as pupils reach school.

Head teacher Terry Boatwright, of Bishop Bell School in Eastbourne, said: "Mobile phones can be considered as important for security for children coming to and from school, but as soon as they reach school they are not needed.

"Mobile phones will be confiscated if they disrupt lessons in any way."

Liz Fletcher, head teacher of Patcham High School, Brighton, said pupils had been told to turn off phones in class.

She said: "In some ways they are sensible things to have in terms of security, but they are also fashion items."

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