A national ban on school phones may not be the solution to managing screen time, according to England’s children’s commissioner. Instead, head teachers should have more autonomy to make informed decisions about what works best for their students.
Banning phones in schools should be a decision for head teachers and not imposed nationally by the government, according to England‘s children’s commissioner. This approach is based on the understanding that parents need more help managing their children’s online habits, and head teachers are best placed to make informed decisions about what works best for their students.
A children's commissioner is an independent official responsible for promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of 'children.'
They often work closely with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to ensure that children's needs are met.
In many countries, the role includes investigating child abuse cases, advocating for child-friendly policies, and monitoring the well-being of children in care.
The commissioner's office may also provide guidance and support to families, schools, and community organizations.
Nine out of ten secondary schools restrict the use of smartphones, with 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools limiting pupils’ use of phones during school hours. Most primary schools require pupils to hand in their phones or leave them in a secure place, while most secondary schools say phones must be kept out of sight and not used.
However, the children’s commissioner’s survey suggests that this may not be addressing the root issue. Children are spending more than two hours a day on devices, with 23% of children spending over four hours a day. This screen time is not limited to school hours, and parents need support in managing their children’s online activities and setting appropriate boundaries.
Excessive screen time has been linked to various health issues in children, including obesity, sleep deprivation, and eye strain.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children aged 2-5 years should limit their '1 hour per day' screen time.
Children aged 6-12 years should limit their '2 hours per day' screen time.
Prolonged screen time can also lead to decreased physical activity, social isolation, and decreased attention span.
Schools should continue to have clear policies on phone use and educate young people about online risks. The children’s commissioner recommends that technology companies take responsibility for making the online world safe by design. This includes protecting children from other harmful online content, such as misogyny and violence.
Some argue that a national ban on smartphones in schools would be beneficial, taking the pressure off schools and creating a uniformity across the school system. However, others believe this approach is not necessary, and head teachers should have more autonomy to make decisions about what works best for their students.
The children’s commissioner recommends that the government conducts more research into the potential benefits of wider restrictions on children’s use of phones, particularly social media. This would help inform policy decisions and ensure that any measures taken are based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Ultimately, managing phone use in schools is a complex issue that requires careful consideration and ongoing support from parents, educators, and technology companies. By working together, we can create an online environment that is safe and supportive for all young people.
