MOBILE phones have swiftly become the latest fashion items — but colleges in West Devon and East Cornwall are ensuring they do not disrupt lessons.

Mobile phones are not allowed on the premises at Callington Community College because of their possible disruptive effect and the possibility of theft — but at Tavistock College they are permitted if turned off in the buildings.

Callington parents and students were informed of the ban in the latest college newsheet.

Deputy head Penny Caslin said there was a public telephone available at the school at all times.

'Most young people carry a mobile phone as a fashion item rather than for making calls.

'It is also difficult for the college to accept responsibility for expensive items, and the phones are around £80-£90 worth of equipment.'

Mrs Caslin stressed that the college made sure it safeguarded the students' ability to contact home.

PC Ed Burrows, community liaison officer, said he understood the college's view on mobile phones.

'Once trainers were the fashion items, now it is mobile phones. If you put desirable items out some will bend to temptation — and we don't want to put that temptation in their way.'

One parent, whose daughter attends the college and who lives in Callington, was in favour of the total ban — however another, who lives a distance from Callington, admitted his children took phones to the school but kept them turned off.

'If they miss a bus or any emergency arises — especially between home and school — they can get in touch.

'I think they should have them with them always,' he said.

At Tavistock Community College principal John Simes said students were advised not to bring mobile phones to college as they were expensive items which could easily be lost or stolen.

'If parents particularly wish students to have a mobile phone with them for extra security, this is allowed. But students must have them switched off at all times and are not allowed to use them inside college buildings, especially during lessons,' he explained.

One parent said that for children living outside Tavistock who used public transport mobile phones were 'essential'.

'If sports activities outside school hours were cancelled it used to be very difficult for our son to contact us, as I have to collect our other child from primary school and wouldn't be here.

'It was also difficult for us to get hold of him as reception at the school wouldn't necessarily know what was happening. Now if he misses a bus home — say from an away match — he can call on his mobile and we can pick him up,' she said.

'It made life very difficult without the phone.'