William Eichler 17 August 2021

Teachers tell Williamson to end ‘fixation’ with banning mobiles

Teachers tell Williamson to end ‘fixation’ with banning mobiles image

School and college leaders have called on the education secretary to end what they describe as his ‘fixation’ with banning mobile phones in classrooms.

In response to a Government consultation on student behaviours which characterises mobile phones as ‘distracting’, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) insisted that teachers already had the use of mobile phones by pupils under control.

Julie McCulloch, director of policy at ASCL, said secretary of state for education Gavin Williamson’s view on mobile phones was ‘outdated and out of touch’ with the reality in schools and colleges.

‘School and college leaders are slightly mystified about the Education Secretary’s fixation with banning mobile phones in classrooms because they have been dealing with the practicalities of this issue for many years now,’ she said.

‘Many already ask students to keep phones in their bags during the academic day and others have positive policies in place that allow young people to make limited use of their phones to aid their learning or capture important information.

‘For other learners a mobile phone is an essential safety measure, especially children in the care system, and for young carers a mobile phone might be needed to provide essential support to parents.’

Defending the focus on mobile phones, a spokesperson for the Department for Education said: ‘Mobile phones can be distracting if used in the classroom, but when misused or overused, they can have a damaging effect on a pupil’s mental health and wellbeing.

‘Looking at how schools and colleges are making the day mobile-free is just one part of our behaviour call for evidence, which asked teachers and school leaders about a range of ways to help students focus on their education and create calmer schools – which is especially important due to the impact of the pandemic.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Specialist Customer Service Officer

Oxfordshire County Council
£31,537 - £34,434 per annum
Are you passionate about helping others and making a real impact in your community? We’re looking for Specialist Customer Service Officers to join our dynamic Contact Centre team, the first point of contact for a wide range of essential services acros Oxfordshire County Council , County Hall, Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Cook

North Yorkshire Council
£13.47 - £14.13 per hour
Are you keen to join a friendly team who are committed to making a real impact in their local community? Lancaster, Lancashire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Catering Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£12.65 - £12.65 per hour
We have an opportunity to join our award-winning Facilities Management catering team. North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Employment Vetting Officer

Essex County Council
£26090.00 - £30693.00 per annum
Employment Vetting OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£26,090 to £30,693 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Worker Level 2

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £45,750 to £49,056
We are pleased to inform you that an opportunity for a Level 2 Social Worker has become available Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner