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director of policy at ASCL, said secretary of state for education Gavin Williamson’s view on mobile phones was ‘outdated and out of touch’ with the reality in schools and colleges.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

Director of Public Health

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Up to £131,210
The Public Health department is at the heart of the council’s business. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Head of Regeneration and Growth

Plymouth City Council
£68,387 - £74,411 (MFS and relocation available, pay award pending)
This is a unique opportunity to lead our award-winning development team and directly deliver hundreds of millions of pounds of projects. Plymouth, Devon
Recuriter: Plymouth City Council

Director of Adult Social Care

Wiltshire Council
£119,390 - £127,137
Join us as the Director of Adult Social Care and make a real difference to people’s lives. Wiltshire
Recuriter: Wiltshire Council

Assistant Director Planning, Performance & Engagement

East Sussex County Council
up to £97,700
With strong local communities, unspoilt countryside and vibrant coastal towns, East Sussex offers an exceptional quality of life to many. East Sussex
Recuriter: East Sussex County Council

Director of Finance & Commerce

Lancashire County Council
Up to £114,339
You will play a critical role in driving the organisation through complex change and innovation. Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner