Some sector leaders have commended the publication of new government guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools over its focus on tackling behavioural issues but concerns have been raised by others about a failure to tackle deeper problems in education.
The Department for Education has released non-statutory guidance for schools on mobile phones to tackle disruption and manage behaviour. The guidance supports headteachers prohibiting use of mobile phones in school, including at break times.
However, sector response to the publications has been mixed with some professionals pointing out its benefits for tackling disruption in classrooms and others seeing it as isolating of certain demographics of children.
In response to the guidance, Education Committee chair, Robin Walker, said: “Throughout our inquiry into screen time, the committee has heard evidence that a ban on mobile phones in schools will be a welcome and necessary step. Many schools already ban the use of phones in the classroom or throughout the school day, knowing that they can cause distraction and harm concentration. The new guidance from the government will support school leaders who wish to adopt a policy prohibiting the use of mobile phones.”
