The UK government announces a ban on mobile phones in England’s schools, championed by Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, to encourage student interaction and address concerns about the impact on children’s social skills.
The UK’s Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, has upheld the government’s decision to implement a ban on mobile phones in schools across England, aiming to encourage students to engage more in making friends and personal interactions. Keegan pointed out that currently, about half of the schools in England permit unrestricted use of mobile phones. The government plans to standardize the ban, ensuring it applies during school hours, including breaks and lunch times.
This directive, although non-statutory, advises headteachers on how to enforce the ban, which may involve searching pupils and their possessions for mobile phones as part of the school’s behaviour policy. The initiative seeks to address concerns regarding the impact of mobile phone use on children’s social skills development.
While there have been calls from some quarters for a total ban on smartphones for under-16s, the government has opted to focus on regulating the use of mobile phones within the school environment instead. Critics, including the ASCL General Secretary, argue that the emphasis should instead be on regulating online platforms to protect children from exposure to harm, labelling the government’s stance as addressing a “non-problem.”
In defense of the new policy, Keegan emphasized the necessity for consistency across all educational institutions, highlighting the supportive reaction from schools to the Department of Education’s guidance. She argued that the ban will aid in reducing distractions and fostering a more engaging learning environment for students. The debate on the role of mobile phones in schools continues, with the government’s current move signaling a significant step towards a unified approach to managing mobile phone usage during school hours.