Calls are growing to ban smartphones in schools in England by law, as education experts and unions back an MP’s attempt to push a new law through Parliament.
Children “doomscrolling for hours a day” is causing widespread harm, according to Josh MacAlister, the Labour MP and former teacher behind the private member’s bill being introduced in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Most schools in England already have a ban or restrictions on phone use, after government guidance was introduced earlier this year.
But Mr MacAlister wants to turn the guidance into law, as well as bringing in what he calls “seatbelt legislation” for children’s social-media use.MPs could debate the proposals in the new year, if there is enough parliamentary time.
Private members’ bills rarely make it into law without government backing but they are an opportunity for backbenchers to raise an issue’s profile.
And the Safer Phones Bill adds momentum to growing calls to restrict children’s smartphone use, with local schools coming together to revise their phone policies and parent groups joining forces to delay giving their child a smartphone.
Some of those in favour of smartphones say they provide good opportunities for child development, including socialising, and there is little evidence supporting restrictions of devices in schools.
Mr MacAlister, the MP for Whitehaven and Workington, is using the bill to call for:
a legal requirement for all schools to be mobile-free zones
the age online companies can receive data consent from children without permission from parents to be raised from 13 to 16
Ofcom’s powers to be strengthened so it can enforce a code of conduct to prevent children being exposed to apps and services “addictive by design”
further regulation of the design, supply, marketing and use of mobile phones by under-16s, if needed
“Countries around the world are now taking bold action and our children risk being left behind,” Mr MacAlister, who previously led an independent review into children’s social care, said.
“It’s time to have the national debate here in the UK.”
The bill is being backed by former Conservative Education Secretary Kit Malthouse MP, the current and former children’s commissioners and a coalition of parents’ campaign groups, school leaders, children’s charities and teaching unions.
Source: BBC
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