Fight for mobile-free school laws

Calls for a legal ban on smartphones in schools in England are growing as education experts and unions back an MP’s attempt to push a new law through parliament.

Former teacher Josh MacAlister, the Labor MP behind the private members’ bill introduced in the House of Commons on Wednesday, said children “doomscrolling for hours a day” were causing widespread harm.

Most schools in England have banned or restricted the use of mobile phones Government guidelines issued earlier this year.

But Mr McAllister wants to turn the guidance into law and introduce what he calls “seat belt legislation” for children’s use of social media.

MPs could debate the proposals in the new year, given enough parliamentary time.

Private members’ bills rarely become law without government support, but they are an opportunity for backbenchers to raise issues.

The Safer Cell Phones Act adds to growing calls to limit children’s use of smartphones. Work hand in hand with local schools modify their phone policy and Parent groups join forces Delay the use of smartphones for your children.

Some of them support smartphones They are said to provide good opportunities for children’s development, including socialization, but there is little evidence to support restricting devices in schools.

Mr McAllister used the bill to call for:

• All schools are required by law to be no-movement zones

• Age online companies can raise children’s data consent from 13 to 16 without parental permission

• Ofcom’s powers to be strengthened to enforce codes of conduct to prevent children from accessing apps and services “Design addiction”

• If necessary, further regulate the design, supply, marketing and use of mobile phones for children under 16 years of age

Mr McAllister said: “Countries around the world are taking bold action now and our children risk being left behind.” Previously led the independent review into children’s social careexplain.

“It’s time for a national debate in the UK.”

The bill is backed by former Conservative education secretary Kit Malthouse MP, current and former children’s commissioners, as well as a coalition of parent campaign groups, school leaders, children’s charities and teaching unions.

Pepe Di’lasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “It is not enough to rely on parents and schools to teach children about the dangers of smartphones.

“We have reached a point where we need to regulate the conduct of its sales and online platforms.”

Ormiston Chadwick Academy in Cheshire became a phone-free school at the start of this term.

Principal Jennifer Lawrie-Johnson said the school had always had a no-cell phone policy, with devices being kept in bags or “out of sight” in suit pockets, but disruptions still occurred.

Now, students who bring in a cell phone must put it in a locked box for the day.

Ms Lori-Johnson said: “I’ve seen a huge increase in the number of students coming to lunchtime football games and a decrease in the number of students wanting to use the toilet to ‘check notifications’ during breaks and classes.

She added: “We have seen a reduction of more than 50% in the number of protection recommendations made for social media and content we deem inappropriate.”

When the policy was announced, Year 11 student Emilia couldn’t believe the school would confiscate her phone, but now she says: “It basically takes away my anxiety.

“My circle of friends used to be very unstable and there was a lot of drama on social media,” she said.

“It used to start between girls.

“Now, we are closer.

“Those who used to create drama now have no place to put it.”

Her friend Dewmi agreed, saying her parents noticed she was studying “more” than before.

Rebekah Wersh-Bale, from Macclesfield, has not given her 10-year-old daughter a smartphone but fears she will be isolated from her peers.

“I do worry that she will feel like she has nothing in common with them,” she said.

“Because if they’re spending more time online and she’s not, she’s going to feel like she’s being left behind socially.”

Ms Wash-Bell said her daughter hated her no-phones rule and it had become a real point of contention but children didn’t understand how apps were designed to be addictive and banning them in all schools was “Of course”.

Social media companies, including Snapchat and Meta, have previously said they provide extra protection for under-18s and help parents control what their children see.

Earlier this month, Instagram also launched Teen Accounts, which by default provide children aged 13-15 with private accounts and protections to help them manage their time on the app.

Meta, Snapchat and TikTok have not responded to BBC News’ requests for further comment.