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It joins France and Italy in banning phones during class.
Mobile phone ownership has become ubiquitous across different age groups, raising concerns about the well-being and distractions faced by children during their learning process. In response, the UK government has joined other European countries like France and Italy in issuing guidance to ban the use of phones during school hours. The aim is to promote consistency and clarity in school policies regarding mobile phone use.
While some schools in the UK already have no-phone policies, these guidelines are expected to encourage widespread adoption and uniformity. Gillian Keegan, the UK’s secretary of state for education, emphasized the importance of providing safe and focused learning environments for students. By restricting mobile phone use, schools can minimize distractions and create a conducive atmosphere for effective education.
The UK government encourages schools to establish their own policies based on the provided guidance. The options outlined include a complete ban on mobile phones within school premises, which may pose challenges for students during their commute. An alternative option is for students to hand in their phones upon arrival at school, ensuring they are not accessible throughout the day.
Another approach is to have students store their phones in lockers or personal storage areas provided by the school. While this allows students to retain possession of their devices, they are still prohibited from using them at any point during the day, even during breaks. The final option suggests allowing students to keep their phones in their bags, provided they are turned off and not accessed.
The guidance also emphasizes the need to educate students about the potential negative impact of mobile phones, particularly on mental health. Numerous studies have demonstrated the adverse effects of social media on young people’s well-being. In addition to addressing this issue, restricting phone use can enhance students’ concentration, physical activity levels, and interpersonal interactions.
The UK government encourages parents to contact schools directly instead of using private phones to communicate with their children. Parents are also urged to discuss the rules and risks associated with phones and the internet with their children at home.
Source: UK government