As many of you will know, I have long been concerned about the use and presence of smartphones in schools.
Last year I spoke with local schools to understand their approach, and at the end of the year I ran an online survey for parents to share their feedback and experience.
A huge thank you to all of you. 65% of local parents believe their child spends too much time on social media and 74% of parents believe smartphones exacerbate bulling at school, as well as many of you who have spoken to me about your concerns.
The previous Tory government issued guidance backing headteachers in restricting access to phones in schools, but research since has shown that only 11% of schools are genuinely smartphone free & children at smart phone free schools get 1-2 grades higher at GCSE. We therefore now need to take the next step, and that is why as Shadow Education Secretary I have tabled an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill in Parliament which will ban smartphones in schools for the under 16s.
This is the right thing for parents, teachers and children, and I hope the Government will support it.
