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Written question asked by Paul Girvan (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 May 2024. It was answered by Damian Hinds (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 May 2024 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Pupils: Mobile Phones

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to ban the use of smartphones in schools.

Answer

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The use of mobile phones in schools can be a distraction for many pupils, preventing classrooms from being calm, safe and supportive environments that are conducive to teaching. The ‘Mobile phones in schools’ guidance, which was published in February 2024, supports head teachers in prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day.

The department will monitor how schools respond to the new guidance and, should schools continue to raise issues with prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools, the department will seek to introduce legislation at the earliest opportunity when parliamentary time allows.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
26196
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Pupils Mobile phones
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk