A survey reveals the growing trend to ban mobile phones in schools, igniting a debate over the balance between student engagement and the benefits of technology.
In a recent survey reported by The Guardian, it was revealed that over 90% of schools in England have instituted a ban on mobile phone use. This prevalent move has sparked discussions surrounding the balance between managing student engagement and harnessing the potential benefits of technology in educational environments.
Dr Robert Harrison, the Director of Education and Integrated Technology at ACS International Schools, expressed his disappointment regarding the widespread adoption of this ban. He emphasised the need for a more nuanced approach to phone use in schools, arguing that educational institutions could better support students’ development by teaching them how to use technology in healthy and constructive ways.
Harrison pointed out that while addressing issues related to mobile phone addiction and social media is undoubtedly important, outright bans may not be the most effective solution. He stated, “All students should be equipped to access quality information and transfer knowledge quicker in their pursuit of independent learning.” He advocated for integrating digital devices into learning, suggesting that they could play a pivotal role in achieving educational goals.
By encouraging a balanced approach, Harrison argued that schools could promote social interaction among children and facilitate learning that extends beyond the classroom confines. He further posed critical questions regarding the future competencies of young people, noting, “Shouldn’t we instead aim to help students become confident in using digital devices in and out of school?” He emphasised the importance of cultivating critical thinking skills that enable students to navigate online environments, which he described as increasingly influenced by disinformation and artificial intelligence.
As schools continue to assess the role of technology in education, the debate surrounding mobile phone use and its implications for student learning and development remains a significant topic within the educational community.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/almost-all-schools-in-england-ban-mobile-phone-use-survey-shows/3534552 – Corroborates the claim that over 90% of schools in England have implemented a ban on mobile phone use. The article states that 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools have such bans in place.
- https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/mobile-phones-in-schools-mandating-a-ban/ – Supports the discussion around the balance of managing student engagement and the potential benefits of technology. It covers various studies regarding phone bans in schools and their impact on educational outcomes.
- https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/news/2025/school-bans-alone-not-enough-to-tackle-negative-impacts-of-phone-and-social-media-use – Corroborates Dr. Robert Harrison’s view that outright bans may not be the most effective solution. The study suggests that simply banning phones in schools does not lead to better overall outcomes for students.
- https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/almost-all-schools-in-england-ban-mobile-phone-use-survey-shows/3534552 – The widespread adoption of phone bans in England schools highlights the necessity for discussions about teaching students healthy technology use, aligning with Dr. Harrison’s advocacy for a nuanced approach.
- https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-10241/CBP-10241.pdf – Provides context to the ongoing debates and parliamentary discussions regarding mobile phone policies in schools, which Dr. Harrison’s comments contribute to.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is current, referencing recent discussions and a specific survey. However, it doesn’t mention any very recent changes or events that would elevate its freshness score to a perfect 10.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
While the narrative includes direct quotes from Dr Robert Harrison, it does not provide the earliest known reference online for these quotes. Therefore, without external verification, the score remains high but not perfect.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Guardian, a well-known and reputable publication, enhancing its reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about banning mobile phones in many English schools and discussions around digital literacy are plausible. However, specific statistics or detailed outcomes about these bans are not provided, reducing the score slightly.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is well-supported by its reputable source and context, with plausible discussions on mobile phones in schools. While the freshness score is not perfect due to a lack of very recent updates, overall it maintains a high level of credibility.
