Calls to Ban Smartphones in Schools Gain Momentum in England
A new push to ban smartphones in schools by law is gaining traction in England, as education experts and unions rally behind Labour MP Josh MacAlister’s private member’s bill. The bill, set to be introduced in the House of Commons, aims to address the harmful effects of children spending hours “doomscrolling” on their devices.
While most schools in England already have restrictions on phone use following government guidance earlier this year, MacAlister is seeking to enshrine these rules into law. He also wants to introduce what he calls “seatbelt legislation” to regulate children’s social media use.
The proposed bill has sparked debate among MPs, with some questioning the need for such strict measures. However, supporters argue that children’s well-being should take precedence over the convenience of using smartphones in schools.
One school that has already implemented a phone-free policy is Ormiston Chadwick Academy in Cheshire. Principal Jennifer Lowry-Johnson reports a significant decrease in safeguarding referrals related to social media since the ban was put in place.
Students at the school, like Year 11 student Emilia, have noticed positive changes in their social interactions and academic focus since the ban. Emilia and her friend Dewmi both support the idea, citing reduced drama and increased productivity as key benefits.
However, not all parents are on board with the idea of banning smartphones in schools. Rebekah Wershbale from Macclesfield has chosen to delay giving her daughter a smartphone but worries about her social integration with peers who have them.
As the debate over children’s smartphone use continues, social media companies like Snapchat and Meta have introduced measures to protect underage users. Instagram, for example, now offers Teen Accounts with enhanced privacy settings for younger users.
The Safer Phones Bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including former Conservative Education Secretary Kit Malthouse MP, children’s commissioners, and parent groups. The bill’s proponents hope to spark a national conversation on the impact of smartphones on children’s well-being and academic performance.
