Nearly 20% of secondary school teachers have disclosed that their schools either collect mobile phones from students at the beginning of the day or require them to be placed in special pouches. As students return to school this month, a recent survey sheds light on how schools are addressing this issue. Out of the secondary teachers surveyed, 5% stated that mobile phones are completely banned on school premises. Additionally, 56% mentioned that pupils are not allowed to use mobile phones at all during the school day.
The push for a statutory ban on smartphones in schools has gained momentum, with Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, advocating for such a measure. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Ofsted’s head, Sir Martyn Oliver, have also expressed concerns about the presence of smartphones in schools. A recent survey conducted by TeacherTapp, involving nearly 6,000 secondary teachers in England, revealed varying policies on mobile phone usage in schools.
Some schools have strict rules in place regarding mobile phones, with 13% prohibiting students from using phones unless directed by a teacher, and 18% opting to collect or store phones in pouches at the start of the day. Mark Lehain, the executive headteacher at Wootton Academy Trust, detailed the school’s approach to handling mobile phone usage among students. He emphasized the distractions and safety risks associated with phones in schools, leading to the implementation of stricter sanctions for rule-breakers.
Looking ahead, Mr. Lehain outlined plans to transition to a phone-free school environment to enhance student safety and reduce disruptions. The National Education Union General Secretary, Daniel Kebede, emphasized the importance of clear school policies to minimize screen time and boost student engagement with learning. While banning phones in schools is a step in the right direction, addressing online content consumption outside of school hours is also crucial in tackling related issues in the classroom.