Commenting on plans to instruct headteachers to establish an effective ban of mobile phones in schools, both during lesson times and in breaks, Peter Shreeve, Assistant District Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
“Recent Government consultation concludes that most schools already have policies in place to deal with the problems of mobile phone use. Indeed, this is repeatedly and explicitly mentioned in the statutory guidance, which came into force on 1st September 2023.
“Despite this, Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan in her Conference speech said: ‘Today, one of the biggest issues facing children and teachers is grappling with the impact of smartphones in our schools – the distraction, the disruption, the bullying.’
“Smartphones certainly distract, but schools have been perfecting their policies for years unlike Government. Just look at Parliament and see how many are really genuinely listening to speakers while on their mobiles. After huge MP numbers were photographed during an Autumn Statement speech in 2016 the BBC asked: “Is it wrong for MPs to use mobiles in the Commons?” Perhaps their policy is still being perfected?
“Moreover, just watch and see how empty the chamber can be, when some debates are on. Should attendance figures be published as with schools?
“Ultimately, this school-wide ban is a distraction. Rather, positive measures are needed to tackle deep challenges in our schools.
“It’s time the education secretary acknowledged and addressed teacher recruitment and retention, persistent real-terms funding cuts, the lack of mental health support both within and outside of school, and the rising levels of child poverty.
“These are issues schools are currently most concerned about. Tackle these and the impact will be huge. Students will make more positive choices. They will likely develop good learning habits and good manners and focus on whoever, is speaking in the classroom. They will not feel the need to inhabit their own isolated world, while someone else is speaking, as too often seen in the House of Commons.”
