The debate over smartphones in schools has reached a turning point, with schools voluntarily choosing to restrict their use by students, according to technology secretary Peter Kyle. In a recent interview with the BBC, Kyle stated that in his region in the south east of England, not a single school allows smartphones to be used freely during the school day, especially not in classrooms.
While the government has not imposed a ban on smartphones in schools, recent guidance has been issued to ensure that all schools implement effective smartphone-free restrictions. However, the campaign group Smartphone Free Childhood believes that firmer action is necessary to completely remove smartphones from schools.
In a groundbreaking move, the US and UK have announced their first joint agreement aimed at enhancing online safety for children. This agreement includes the establishment of a joint online safety working group to share evidence and expertise, as well as to study the impact of social media on children.
Despite this progress, Smartphone Free Childhood has expressed concerns that the agreement may not go far enough to protect children online. The group’s co-founder, Clare Fernyhough, emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate government support.
The UK government has acknowledged the limited evidence on the causal impact of social media on children and young people. The joint working group established by the US and UK will focus on promoting transparency from platforms and understanding the risks of the digital world on young people.
While the government has no current plans to ban smartphone use for those under 16, the UK’s Online Safety Act places duties on online platforms to protect children’s safety. However, full enforcement of these measures is still pending, as guidance for compliance is being developed by the communications regulator Ofcom.
Overall, the US-UK agreement represents a significant step towards creating a safer online environment for children. With the collaboration of both countries and the expectation for tech platforms to prioritize child safety, the protection of children’s privacy, safety, and mental health remains a top priority.
