Rishi Sunak's Phone Ban: A Beneficial Initiative or Pointless Policy?
In today's digital age, where smartphones have become pervasive and often indispensable, the recent decision by Rishi Sunak, the Prime minister, to implement a phone ban has sparked significant debate. While some view it as a proactive measure to enhance productivity in schools, others argue that it is an unnecessary restriction. The UK government has announced new guidelines for schools aimed at minimizing disruption and enhancing behaviour.
We know that they are a distraction in the classroom and cause bullying in schools. Many schools have already banned them, which has led to a safer and better learning environment for their students. Now we're publishing new guidance so other schools have the support they need to do the same. We're making sure our children receive the education they deserve. " - Rishi Sunak stated in a video posted on X (twitter)
The guidelines offer schools flexibility in how they implement the ban, including options such as leaving phones at home, surrendering them upon arrival, or storing them in inaccessible lockers, provided they are not used or audible. Many schools agree with this policy, for e.g. The City of London Academy in Southwark allows pupils to keep their phones on them but enforces a 'see it, hear it, lose it' rule where phones are taken away if they are spotted or go off in lessons. Townley Grammar school in Bexley allows pupils to bring their phones to school, but they must be kept out of sight in their lockers until the end of the day. Many schools also enforce consequences such as confiscating phones if they are disruptive or used for the wrong purposes.
By age 12, around 97% of pupils have a mobile phone. Given this, and the increase in mental health issues, it's no surprise that formal guidance on using mobile phones within schools in England has been discussed. By limiting distractions caused by notifications, phone calls, and scrolling could result in higher quality work, and an overall better learning environment. The average screen time of a teenager in the UK is around 8 hours per day – significantly reducing this screen time can have many positive impacts on our mental health and wellbeing. The use of social media has been linked to increased stress, anxiety, and a shorter attention span, so monitoring screen usage especially in a school environment would be incredibly beneficial for all of us.
However, is the ban necessary? Blanket restrictions on phone usages in schools overlook the potential benefits of technology, such as communication, research, and access to information. Many students pointed out that they use their phones for learning and homework, especially if they don’t have an alternative device. Interactive educational games such as quizzes used on phones are generally also used in classrooms as methods to interest students. Many also had concerns about contacting home in cases of an emergency, or family members contacting them during the school day. Without their phones, an unforeseen situation could become difficult to manage. Lastly, some may argue that the law just isn’t keeping up with modern life – right now, phones are an integral part of all our lives and restricting their usage would be like going back in time.
The new UK guidelines to restrict phone usage in schools will overall be beneficial for the learning environment, our mental health, and wellbeing. Personally, I think that it is about time we cracked down on phone usage – especially for young teenagers who are constantly being exposed to harmful social media. The staggering statistics of screen time of teenagers in the UK are incredibly high, in the long-term causing short attention spans, stress, and anxiety. However, I also think that it is partially unnecessary during classes where using my phone for research would be much more practical and efficient. What do you think?
