The Government has released new guidance for schools in order to stop the use of mobile phones being used during school hours.
Statistics released by OFCOM suggest that 97% of children own a mobile phone by the age of 12, and the Government say that children having access to phones during schooling hours can lead to online bullying and disruption in class which can lead to lost learning time.
Many schools across the country welcome the ban, through making sure phones are kept in bags and lockers, or even handing them in to a teacher at the start of the day. Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan said: “Mobile phone are, at a minimum an unwanted distraction in the classroom.’’
Headteachers will still get to decide if they want to implement the ban, it is not compulsory by law.
The guidance states that teachers and staff members should not use their own mobile devices for personal reasons in front of pupils during school hours, and parents should contact the school directly if they need to speak to their children.
Many people are saying that the phone ban is good and will have a positive impact on children’s learning. One parent said: “I think the phone ban is good because there is less distractions and they can focus on their work.
“Mobile phones in schools can distract kids from doing their work and what they are actually meant to be doing.’’
Another parent told me: “I think it’s good because it allows the kids to focus on work and increases their concentration in class.’’
The phone ban is also being set out to decrease online bullying within schools. John, 64, told Mersey News Live that phones are ‘addictive’ and ‘a plague on modern society.’ He said: “They cause disruption in classes, can lead to harassment, cyber bullying, even murder.
“Phones can lead to cheating in class. It’s led to a whole generation of kids lacking in social interaction skills and not to mention what effects it can have on their health.’’
This what people had to say about the new phone ban in schools:
Featured image (c) Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash
