Education Secretary Demands Complete Mobile Phone Ban in All UK Schools
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has issued a strong directive to headteachers across the United Kingdom, advocating for schools to become entirely phone-free environments throughout the entire school day. The updated government guidance specifies that mobile devices should not be used by pupils for any purpose whatsoever, including during lessons, breaks, and the periods between classes.
Comprehensive Restrictions on Device Usage
The new guidance makes clear that the prohibition extends to all potential uses of mobile phones, whether inside or outside the classroom. This means pupils will not be permitted to use their devices as calculators, for research purposes, or for any other educational or personal activities during school hours. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will be directing Ofsted, the schools inspectorate, to closely examine how schools are implementing their mobile phone policies and ensuring compliance with these strict new rules.
Leading by Example: Teacher Conduct
In a significant development, teachers themselves are being advised against using mobile phones in front of pupils, setting an example of the digital discipline expected throughout the educational environment. This move comes as data reveals that a substantial 58 per cent of secondary school pupils currently use mobile phones without permission during at least some of their lessons, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing educators.
Parallel Social Media Consultation Launched
Separately, government ministers have initiated a consultation process regarding the potential implementation of an Australian-style social media ban for children under the age of sixteen in the United Kingdom. This development indicates a broader governmental focus on regulating young people's digital access and online activities, creating a comprehensive approach to managing technology's role in children's lives both within and beyond the school gates.
