Schools ‘to become mobile phone-free zones’ under proposal after fears over use could ‘damage’ children’s well-being
SCHOOLS will become mobile-free zones under plans proposed by Gavin Williamson amid fears that device overuse could "damage" childrens' well-being.
The Education Secretary said he wants to make the school day mobile-free in a bid to promote “calm classrooms”.
The idea is being considered as part of a six-week call for evidence, launched on Tuesday, seeking the views of teachers, parents and other staff on how to manage good behaviour.
Ministers are then expected to update guidance on mobile phones later this year, according to The Times.
Mr Williamson is keen on a total ban - but could face resistance from teachers and unions.
He said: “Mobile phones are not just distracting, but when misused or overused, they can have a damaging effect on a pupil's mental health and wellbeing.
“I want to put an end to this, making the school day mobile-free."
He added: "No parent wants to send their child to a school where poor behaviour is rife.
"Every school should be a safe place that allows young people to thrive and teachers to excel."
There is only limited evidence available examining the effect of banning mobile phones in schools.
A 2013 review, which looked at 90 schools in Birmingham, London, Leicester and Manchester, found an improvement in pupil performance of over 6 per cent in schools that had banned mobile phones.
Unions have branded the move a “distraction” from the problems faced by children in catching up with lost learning from the coronavirus pandemic.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) accused Mr Williamson of "playing to backbenchers" with his plans.
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General secretary Geoff Barton said the policy was “an operational decision for schools, not something that can be micromanaged from Westminster”.
The Department for Education (DfE) has already announced details of its £10 million "behaviour hub" programme.