A group of schools has been forced to spend more than £50,000 on phone pouches to stop pupils flouting a ban on mobiles.Simon Elliott, CEO of the Community Schools Trust, said he decided to act because of the 'dangers' posed by smartphones.The trust previously implemented a ban across its seven schools - but found that kids simply ignored it.They would either use devices out of sight of teachers or steal away to the toilet to scroll.Lockable pouches costing £9 each have now been bought for all of the trust's students - a total cost of £54,000.But Mr Elliott said it was a small price to pay for improved education.He said: 'We have decided to take action because of the dangers posed by mobile phone use in schools.'We had banned the phones but students were sneaking off to the toilet to use them or using them out of eye shot of teachers. A group of schools has been forced to spend more than £50,000 on phone pouches to stop pupils flouting a ban on mobiles (pictured: Simon Elliott, CEO of the Community Schools Trust)'If they were spotted they were confiscated but that didn't deter some students from using them.'The pouches allow students to keep the phones in their possession but prevent them from being used during the school day.'It is a lot of money but the impact of mobile phones on students mental health and ability to learn cannot be underestimated.'Recent research has revealed that the average teenager spends 11 hours a day on screens, while 55 percent of children aged eight to 11 own a smartphone.Studies suggest that a phone free school has a positive impact.Mr Elliott added: 'It is not an over reaction to say that young people are becoming completely and utterly addicted to these devices.'They are not only affecting their grades but their wellbeing as well.'Time on social media sites is linked to depression and anxiety among young people.'Of course, they will still be able to access their phones after school and at weekends, so we also have to teach them how to use mobile phones responsibly.' Simon Elliott, CEO of the Community Schools Trust, said he decided to act because of the 'dangers' posed by smartphones (pictured: Forest Gate Community School, which is under the Trust)The trust is working with provider Phone Locker to carry out the scheme.And, while other schools have asked parents to pay for the pouches, the schools in the Community Schools Trust are footing the bill.Managing director of Phone Locker, Adam Proops, said: 'Adults, let alone children, find it difficult enough to leave their phone alone.'That's where Phone Locker comes in.'As a hard barrier between phone and student, it makes that choice that little bit more difficult.'Without it, the likelihood of just a quick look is too tempting.'Over time, that reliance lessens and it becomes habit to take that break during the day.'Yes, it does mean that some of the responsibility is put back on to parents to make sure their child understands the importance of adhering to school rules on phone use.'However, given the benefits, they are often very supportive.'The Community Schools Trust run seven schools - six in east London and one in Norfolk - all of which have above average exam results.Lead school Forest Gate Community has consistently been ranked in the top 50 schools in the country.Another - the Excelsior Academy - saw A Level results soar after a mobile phone ban in sixth form last year. It comes after a school in Bristol banned smartphones when a pupil's phone was found with 9,000 messages sent in just one night on a year's WhatsApp group.In June, Blackhorse Primary School in Bristol said children will no longer be allowed to bring smartphones to school after a teacher was shocked how many messages were being sent by children.In recent years, pupils have been allowed to bring smartphones to school, but had to hand them in to the teacher during lesson time.However, one day a phone was accidentally left in a teacher's cupboard overnight - and was returned to the pupil the next day with 9,000 notifications of activity in a Year Six WhatsApp group.Shocked at the discovery, executive headteacher Simon Botten implemented a blanket ban.Earlier this year, the Tories campaigned for a change in the law to enforce a ban on smartphones in all schools.However, Labour has resisted, saying official guidance already exists to this effect, and most schools do place restrictions on phone use.