Children are set to be prohibited from using mobile phones in schools under new legislation proposed by the government. The initiative aims to formalize the existing recommendations on phone usage in schools by making them legally binding through an amendment in the House of Lords to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Presently, the Department for Education advises school headteachers to restrict students from using phones on school premises, although compliance is voluntary. This move follows a study indicating that it can take students up to 20 minutes to regain focus on learning after being distracted by non-academic phone notifications.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education emphasized the stance against mobile phones in schools, noting that the amendment would solidify existing practices. The amendment was approved by peers, with a majority vote of 276 to 169, to prohibit students from having smartphones during school hours.
The Skills Minister Baroness Smith of Malvern acknowledged the concerns raised and assured support for headteachers in enforcing the ban. The National Association of Head Teachers endorsed the legislation, emphasizing the importance of clear guidance for school leaders to implement the ban uniformly.
The teaching union NASUWT and the Association of School and College Leaders have also expressed support for the statutory school phone ban. Additionally, a recent survey revealed that the majority of schools already have policies restricting phone use, with 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools reporting some form of ban in place.
In response to the survey findings, efforts are being made to provide support, such as funding for equipment like storage lockers or locked pouches, to ensure secure phone storage during school hours. This move towards a formal ban aligns with the government’s commitment to prioritize children’s interests through comprehensive safeguarding measures.