A growing concern within the Conservative party suggests it is time to make a phone ban in schools law, as many children continue to use their devices in classrooms despite existing guidelines.
The issue of mobile phones in schools has been a topic of discussion for several years. Despite previous guidelines issued by the government, many children continue to use their devices in classrooms, leading to concerns about distraction and its impact on learning.
Mobile phones have become increasingly prevalent in educational settings, with many schools adopting policies that allow students to use them during class.
According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 54% of teachers believe that mobile phones can be beneficial for learning.
However, 71% also report that mobile phones are a distraction in the classroom.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends setting boundaries and guidelines for mobile phone use in schools to promote healthy digital habits.
Laura Trott, Shadow Education Secretary, has stated that ending phone use in schools is a ‘no-brainer’ and that it is time to make it law. The Conservative party plans to amend the Labour government‘s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to include a ban on mobile phones in schools.
The previous Tory government issued guidance to schools last year, but Trott claims this ‘hasn’t worked’ as many children still use their devices in classrooms. The government spokesperson notes that around 97% of schools restrict mobile phone use in some way, while headteachers also have the ability to implement complete bans.
The bid to change the bill is unlikely to succeed given Labour has a working majority of 167 MPs. However, Trott remains optimistic, urging parents, teachers, and children to petition their MPs to vote for this proposal, which she believes will make a ‘massive difference’.
Ministers believe that headteachers already have the power to ban phones in schools, with many secondary schools in England already having restrictions on phone use. The government guidance states that schools should develop a mobile phone policy that prohibits the use of mobile phones throughout the school day, including during lessons.
A recent study suggested that banning phones in schools was not linked to pupils getting higher grades or having better mental wellbeing. Last week, another bill that had suggested banning phones in schools was watered down to gain government support. Labour MP Josh MacAlister noted that reducing phone use in law would be a ‘process,’ not one ‘big bang’ event.
Private members’ bills rarely make it into law without government backing, but they provide an opportunity for backbenchers to raise an issue’s profile. The proposed legislation also includes a call for the government to say within a year whether it will raise the digital age of consent from 13 to 16 – meaning companies could not receive children’s data without parental permission until that age.
The Conservative party’s push for a phone ban in schools is a growing concern, with many arguing that it is time to make this law. Despite existing guidelines and regulations, many children continue to use their devices in classrooms, leading to concerns about distraction and its impact on learning.
- bbc.com | Conservatives push for ban on phones in schools
- www.bbc.co.uk | Conservatives push for ban on phones in schools BBC News
