School phone bans
School phone bans are a hotly debated topic with significant implications for students, educators, and parents. In the UK, the government has issued guidance supporting headteachers in prohibiting mobile phone use throughout the school day. (Mobile phones in Schools). The debate around school phone bans is complex, with valid arguments on both sides.
While bans aim to address issues like distraction, cyberbullying, and potentially mental health, some research suggests that their impact on overall wellbeing and academic outcomes might be limited without a broader approach to managing phone use. Schools need to carefully consider their specific context, the needs of their students, and the evidence available when developing their mobile phone policies. A balanced approach that combines clear rules with education on responsible technology use might be the most effective way forward.
Current Situation in the UK:
- Government guidance encourages schools in England to prohibit mobile phone use throughout the school day.
- Despite this guidance, the implementation and enforcement of phone bans vary across schools.
- Recent surveys suggest that a significant majority of secondary teachers work in schools where pupils are not allowed to use their phones during the day, although enforcement levels may differ.
New study on the effects of school phone bans
The study released 4th February 2025 finds that “There is no evidence that restrictive school policies are associated with overall phone and social media use or better mental wellbeing in adolescents.”
Read the full publication: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanepe/article/PIIS2666-7762(25)00003-1/fulltext
The study sampled 1227 participants across 30 English Secondary schools; 20 with restrictive policies and 10 with permissive policies.
“Interpretation: There is no evidence that restrictive school policies are associated with overall phone and social media use or better mental wellbeing in adolescents. The findings do not provide evidence to support the use of school policies that prohibit phone use during the school day in their current form, and indicate that these policies require further development.”
References:
Department for Education “Mobile Phones in Schools” (February 2024)
Goodyear, Victoria A. et al. “School phone policies and their association with mental wellbeing, phone use, and social media use (SMART Schools): a cross-sectional observational study” The Lancet Regional Health – Europe, Volume 51, 101211
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