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No more mobile phones in the schoolyard – that's what the British Conservatives want
Photograph:
imago/ Westend61
Pupils in Great Britain will no longer be allowed to bring mobile phones into school in the future. The Conservative government announced a blanket ban to prevent distractions, disruption and bullying. "One of the biggest problems facing children and teachers today is dealing with the impact of smartphones in our schools," Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said at the Conservative Party's annual meeting in Manchester.
"We know that teachers are struggling with the consequences and we know they need support," Keegan said. In London, a government spokesman acknowledged that a change in the law would take time. Therefore, only new guidelines would be issued for the time being. So far, school principals have decided on the use of mobile phones, and at most schools mobile phones have to be locked away before classes begin.
The planned ban is "unenforceable" and ineffective, criticized the head of the teachers' union NASUWT, Patrick Roach. More important would be help for parents and teachers, as the negative consequences of smartphone use are not limited to the classroom. The head of the NAHT headmasters' association, Paul Whiteman, pointed out problems with the practical implementation, such as agreements between the children and their parents.
The announced changes apply only to state schools. Two years ago, the Tories had already announced a ban on mobile phones, but this was not followed by action.
atb/dpa