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Headteachers in the UK are set to receive new government guidance, instructing them to prohibit students from using mobile phones throughout the entire school day. The Department for Education aims to enforce this rule not only during class hours but also during breaks.
Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, will unveil these plans at the Conservative Party conference on Monday, October 2nd. While it is already encouraged for headteachers to limit phone usage, numerous schools have existing restrictions in place.
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Gillian Keegan intends to implement a ban on smartphones not only within classrooms during lessons but also during break times to foster an environment where students can concentrate effectively. Sources close to the discussions indicate that Ms. Keegan will issue new guidelines to schools, mandating them to implement measures to curtail phone usage among students.
A source commented on Ms. Keegan’s stance, stating, “Gillian believes that mobile phones pose a serious challenge in terms of distraction, disruptive behavior, and bullying. It is one of the biggest issues that children and teachers have to grapple with, so she will outline a way forward to empower teachers to prohibit mobiles from classrooms.”
The policy announcement will take place at the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester. This move aligns with a previous proposal made by former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson in 2021, where he emphasized that smartphones could be “distracting” and “damaging” to students. At that time, he expressed his desire to create mobile-free school days, citing concerns about the negative impact of excessive phone use on students’ mental health and overall well-being. He also highlighted the importance of calm classrooms to support students in overcoming the challenges posed by the pandemic and to promote equal opportunities for all young people.
