Lock-it

Lock-it and Store-it Keep your smartphones safe and secure

Smartphones are part of everyday life, but they often cause disruption in the classroom. With secure storage options, you can create practical solutions for your school that are fair for everyone and bring peace of mind.

Find out more about Lock-it

Find out more about Store-it

So that teaching does not take a back seat

Private smartphone use is distracting, not only for the children and young people who use them, but also for their classmates. Added to this are conflicts, (cyber)bullying and the debate about addictive usage patterns.

Almost one in five schools in Germany has already issued regulations on smartphone use as a result. This was the finding of a survey by bitkom, published in May 2025.

Banning smartphones from the classroom – what does the research say?
There are few concrete scientific studies on how a general ban on mobile phones affects learning success. Moreover, their findings are not consistent. Some results suggest that a mobile phone ban can have positive effects, while others find no significant correlations.
However, the data on which the studies are based is often several years old. Mobile phone use among schoolchildren has changed rapidly during this time.

PISA performance and daily use of digital devices at school (Source: PISA 2022)

deutsches-schulportal.de

PISA performance and daily use of digital devices at school (Source: PISA 2022)

deutsches-schulportal.de

PISA performance and daily use of digital devices at school (Source: PISA 2022)

deutsches-schulportal.de

PISA 2022

The 2022 PISA study can be used as a meaningful reference for Germany. It also examined the relationship between mobile phone use and learning performance among 15-year-olds. Here are a few findings:

Often, it is not the mobile phone itself that is distracting, but the pressure to always be available.
Young people who say they always turn off notifications in class score an average of 19 PISA points higher than the average. This corresponds to the learning progress of half a school year.
About a quarter of young people feel distracted in class by others using digital devices.
The longer pupils use their mobile phones to pass the time, the worse their performance.
Those who use digital devices for three to seven hours a day for learning perform better than average.

However, the researchers caution against immediately drawing a causal connection from the results. Other factors, such as social background, could play a significant role in the results. Nevertheless, one thing is clear:

Schools need rules so that pupils learn to use their smartphones responsibly.

How can schools regulate private smartphone use?

Lock-it – the decentralised solution
Each child has their own secure smartphone case that shields Bluetooth and mobile phone signals and can only be unlocked with a special opener.
The advantages: The smartphone remains with the pupil and moves with them from room to room. Teachers are not responsible for any damage. No time is lost collecting and redistributing the devices. As the smartphones are not ready to receive signals, there are no disruptive and distracting beeps.
Store-it – the centralised solution
Smartphones are collected at the start of the school day or lesson. All devices are stored together – in a Gratnells box, which we developed ourselves.
The advantages: low costs, smartphones are stored safely.
Guard-it – the independent solution
Pupils leave their private smartphones at home or, depending on school rules, store them in their bags in flight mode before entering the school grounds or at the beginning of lessons.
The advantages: no costs, promotes personal responsibility, builds trust.

The Lock-it concept

Put your smartphone in your pocket

At the beginning of the school day or a lesson, pupils place their smartphones in their personal Lock-it bags.

Close the bag at the touch of a button

The bag is secured with a simple press of the closure button. The smartphone is now inaccessible and cannot receive or transmit signals.

Open the bag with the lock-it-opener

At the end of the school day or lesson, the bag is unlocked again using the Lock-it-Opener. This can be attached to a cupboard/wall or carried around by the teacher.

The smartphone case is distributed in the education sector through an exclusive partnership between VS and Klipto/LOCKSTA.

Instructions for use for Lock-it

The Lock-it Opener is intended exclusively for use in conjunction with Lock-it bags.

• Do not open or tamper with by force – risk of injury and damage
• Keep mobile openers out of reach of pupils
• Check regularly that the lock is working correctly
• Do not charge your smartphone in the Lock-it bag – risk of fire
• Keep the magnet away from credit cards, medical devices, etc.
• Check the bag regularly for damage or tampering

Proper use is essential to prevent injury, damage or malfunction.

Magnetic safety – high-performance magnet

Lock-it-Opener devices contain a neodymium magnet in an aluminium housing. Maintain a safe distance of at least 30 cm from:

• Pacemakers, cochlear implants and other medical implants

• Magnetic strip cards (debit/credit cards, ID cards)

• Mobile phones and storage media

• Laptops, tablets, electronic devices

• Key cards, hotel cards, electronic locks

The magnet can also work through wood or plastic – when storing, ensure sufficient distance from metal parts or tools. The stationary openers may only be installed and used by adults/authorised personnel.

Risk of injury from the locking mechanism

Lock-it bags have an internal metal lock with a spring mechanism. Improper handling, such as inserting fingers or tools into the lock area, can result in crushing or punctures. The lock must never be opened, twisted or pried open by force. If damaged, take it out of service immediately.

Risk of damage and disclaimer

Lock-it bags are made of robust neoprene. However, they are not designed for forceful use. Do not throw, hit, tear or twist them, as this may cause material breakage, loss of magnetic effect or damage to the opening mechanism. Please only use the opener on stable, flat surfaces and do not leave it unattended. Mobile openers must not be allowed to fall into the hands of schoolchildren.

Fire and heat protection

The bags are made of neoprene, which can melt or ignite at very high temperatures.

Do not store on radiators, in direct sunlight or in vehicles in hot weather. Do not charge smartphones while they are in the bag. Avoid contact with open flames.

Note on use by children

Lock-it products are not approved as children's toys. The products should not be used by children under 8 years of age without supervision. The magnetic forces and metal parts can cause injury if used improperly.

Prohibited uses

Lock-it products must not be used:

• as permanent storage for data carriers or electronic devices

• in safety-critical areas with magnetic shielding

• in potentially explosive environments

• for purposes other than the intended smartphone security

VS Vereinigte Spezialmöbelfabriken GmbH & Co. KG accepts no liability for

• Damage caused by improper use (e.g. breaking open, use of force)
• Misuse by unauthorised persons
• Use outside the intended areas of application
• Injuries caused by failure to observe these safety instructions

The product is not subject to labelling requirements for electrical or electronic devices, but complies with general safety standards for school products.

Lock-it products are made from high-quality materials such as neoprene and chrome-plated magnetic steel. Regular care and proper handling are necessary to ensure their function, durability and safety in the long term.

Care of the Lock-it bag (Signal Block)

Cleaning: Wipe with a soft, slightly damp cloth. For heavier soiling, mild soapy water can be used. Remove any residue with clean water and allow to air dry.

Avoid:

• Washing machines or tumble dryers – heat and spinning damage the neoprene and the fastener

• Alcohol, bleach, solvents, disinfectants or harsh cleaners – these attack the material structure and adhesives

• Abrasive cleaners, rough sponges or wire brushes – these cause abrasion and discolouration

• Prolonged exposure to sunlight – this can make neoprene porous and brittle.

Care of stationary and mobile openers

Cleaning: Clean the magnetic surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do not allow moisture to get directly on or into the magnetic opening

Avoid:

• Immersion in water – risk of rust formation in the magnet core

• Cleaners containing alcohol, chlorine, acetone or solvents – these attack the coating

• Scratching with hard objects (e.g. keys, screwdrivers) – leads to irreversible damage to the acrylic.

• Magnetic contact with metal parts during cleaning – risk of injury due to sudden adhesion

Storage and environmental conditions

• Store in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight

• Do not place on radiators or in direct sunlight

• Do not store under heavy objects or squeeze

• Do not store magnet-sensitive devices in the immediate vicinity

Scope of delivery: 1 x Basic Opener

Required parts: 4 x screws, 4 x dowels (optional), 4 x spacers (optional)

Required tools: Drill, cordless screwdriver or screwdriver, spirit level, pencil, tape measure

Installation

Determine the position: Ensure that the installation height is comfortably accessible. Hold the magnet against the wall in the desired position. Use a pencil to mark the three drill holes through the holes in the magnet.

Drill holes & insert wall plugs: Remove the magnet. Drill 6 mm wide holes approx. 40 mm deep at the marked points. Insert the appropriate wall plugs completely into the drill holes.

Attach the magnet: Insert the screws through the pre-drilled holes in the magnet and screw everything securely to the wall.

Check stability: Check that the plate is evenly positioned and securely fastened. The opener must not move.

Download the Lock-it user guide (in German only)

A simple ban is not the solution. In order to develop media literacy, children and young people need educational support and educational opportunities for smartphone-free time.

The Store-it concept

Collect

The pupils place their smartphones in the foam insert in the Gratnells box.

Safekeeping

The Gratnells box is placed in the shelving unit, for example SPACE or Shift+ Landscape. If required, the devices can be taken out again at any time and are immediately ready for use.

Download our LOCK-IT brochure here

Contact

If you would like to learn more about our smartphone solutions, please write to us. Or make an appointment directly to get to know Lock-it and Store-it.

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