Mobile phones are set to be prohibited in schools across England as part of the government's plan to minimize disturbance and improve behavior in classrooms. New mobile phones in schools guidance issued today backs headteachers in prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day, including at break times.
Many schools around the country are already prohibiting mobile phone use with great results. This guidance will ensure there is a uniform approach across all schools.
By the age of 12, 97% of children have their own mobile phone, according to Ofcom. Too much time spent on mobile phones in schools can lead to online bullying, distraction and classroom disturbance which, in turn, can lead to lost learning time.
Last year, UNESCO called for smartphones to be banned from schools as evidence showed it was linked to reduced educational performance and that too much screen time had a negative impact on children's wellbeing.
Schools will be supported to prohibit mobile phone use with different approaches including banning phones from the school, handing in phones on arrival at school, and keeping phones securely locked away at school.
The guidance will respond to concerns from parents about mobile phones, with the latest data from ParentKind's National Parent Survey, revealing that 44% of parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend on electronic devices, rising to 50% of parents of secondary school children.
"We are making long-term decisions to ensure all pupils have world class education. This guidance builds on that work which has delivered 89% of schools rated good or outstanding by Ofsted, up from just 68% in 2010. Our plan is working with school standards rising across the board. England has leveled up the international rankings for academic attainment through our multimillion-pound Maths and English program. We are now one of the top performing countries in the Western world for Maths and reading. The government will continue to build onthis progress by delivering crucial reforms including by creating the Advanced British Standard."
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said.