UK MPs Call for Complete Ban on Mobile Phones in Schools
Members of Parliament in the United Kingdom are urging the government to implement a total ban on mobile phones in schools. This call comes in the wake of a report examining the impact of screen time on children’s academic achievement and well-being. The report highlights that smartphones and computers negatively affect students’ learning both at home and in the classroom. It particularly notes that the harms of screen time and social media use outweigh the benefits for young children.
While the government’s existing guidance on banning mobile phone use in schools has been welcomed, MPs suggest that if this guidance proves ineffective, legal enforcement should be introduced. They also recommend providing guidance on the effectiveness of educational apps and establishing a quality certification program for these applications.
The report calls for the development of a digital literacy curriculum and emphasizes the need for the government to include online safety in teacher training programs. Additionally, it stresses the importance of better evaluating digital literacy lessons. Concerns were also raised about the impact of Edtech and artificial intelligence on children’s data, urging the government to conduct a risk assessment on this matter.
Furthermore, MPs highlight the need for the government to offer guidance to parents on managing their children’s screen time. They suggest limiting screen use after bedtime and promoting physical activity. These recommendations aim to ensure that children grow up in a safer and healthier digital environment.