England’s Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has taken a firm stance on mobile phone usage in schools, urging headteachers to implement a complete ban on phones during the school day. In a letter addressed to school leaders, which was reviewed by both The BBC and The Times, Ms Phillipson emphasized that it is “not appropriate for phones to be used as calculators, or for research” either inside or outside classrooms.
In line with this directive, the UK government has released updated guidance stressing that students should not have access to their devices during lessons, break times, lunch breaks, or even between classes. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance focus and minimize distractions in educational settings.
Government Measures and Compliance
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced immediate actions regarding children’s social media use, including directives for Ofsted to review school policies on mobile phone use during inspections. “Schools should ensure those policies are applied consistently across classes and at all times, and we want parents to support these policies too,” Ms Phillipson stated in her communication to headteachers.
Teachers have been advised to refrain from using their phones in front of students, reinforcing the emphasis on creating a focused learning environment. Data from the DSIT reveal that while 99.9% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools have established mobile phone policies, a concerning 58% of secondary school students reported unauthorized mobile phone usage during at least some lessons. This figure rises to 65% among students in key stage four.
Concerns from Educational Leaders
Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, expressed concerns regarding the government’s approach, stating that school leaders “need support from government, not the threat of heavy-handed inspection.” This highlights the need for collaboration rather than punitive measures as schools navigate the complexities of mobile phone usage.
The government’s actions coincide with the launch of a consultation regarding a potential Australian-style social media ban for individuals under 16 in the UK. This consultation will explore various options, including raising the digital age of consent and placing restrictions on app design features that promote addictive behaviors, such as “streaks” and “infinite scrolling.”
Ministers plan to visit Australia, where a social media ban for under-16s was enacted in December 2023, as part of their investigation. The government aims to gather opinions from parents and young people, with a comprehensive response expected by summer 2024.
The ongoing dialogue surrounding mobile phone use in schools reflects a growing concern about digital distractions in education and the need to foster environments conducive to learning. As this initiative unfolds, its impact on students and educators alike will be closely monitored.
