NEWS: Mixed views on school mobile phone ban

As reported by Children and Young People Now, government guidance on mobile phone use in schools aims to tackle behavioural issues, but some worry it overlooks deeper educational challenges

The Department for Education has released non-statutory guidance for schools on mobile phones to tackle disruption and manage behaviour. The guidance supports headteachers prohibiting the use of mobile phones in school, including at break times.

However, sector response to the publications has been mixed with some professionals pointing out its benefits for tackling disruption in classrooms and others seeing it as isolating of certain demographics of children.

In response to the guidance, Education Committee chair, Robin Walker, said: “Throughout our inquiry into screen time, the committee has heard evidence that a ban on mobile phones in schools will be a welcome and necessary step. Many schools already ban the use of phones in the classroom or throughout the school day, knowing that they can cause distraction and harm concentration. The new guidance from the government will support school leaders who wish to adopt a policy prohibiting the use of mobile phones.”

The Carers Trust is one organisation challenging the ban as it has the potential to disconnect young carers from their loved ones.

Its chief executive, Kirsty McHugh, said: “There are at least two young carers in every classroom and it’s crucial they’re still able to access a mobile phone because of their caring role. Their phone is a vital connection to the person they look after outside of school. Without them, young carers would struggle to find out if there is an emergency at home, check up on their loved ones at break times or get updates on important tests.

“It is good to see the government’s new guidance for schools makes some allowance for young carers. However, it’s essential that all schools ensure they have a policy which clearly allows young carers to access their phone when they need to.”

Officials are also calling for the Education Secretary to display a greater focus on other issues causing barriers for children in education.

Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said: “As most schools already have policies in place to deal with the problems of mobile phone use, this guidance will make little difference and is a distraction from the many problems facing education.

“What Gillian Keegan should be doing is facing up to the deep challenges in our schools. The Education Secretary must acknowledge and address the detrimental impact of real-terms funding cuts on children and young people’s education, the lack of mental health support both within and outside of school, the teacher recruitment and retention crisis and the rising levels of child poverty.”