New technology has created a problem in some Essex schools.

Shoeburyness High School announced it had banned hi-tech mobiles because staff feared they could lead to charges of sexual assault after boys were caught taking photos with them under girls' skirts.

A spokeswoman for Tiptree's Thurstable School said it would review its policy on mobile phones. Pupils are currently allowed to bring them in as long as they are switched off and kept in bags.

"If misused in this way, they will be confiscated," she said.

At St Helena School, in Sheepen Road, Colchester, they are also considering a review.

Head Clive Waddington said: "At the moment we allow mobile phones to come to school but we have a very strict 'off' policy."

Published Thursday January 8, 2004

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