Summary
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has proposed that all schools in England should be phone-free throughout the school day. She sent a letter to schools emphasizing that phones should not be used during lessons, breaks, or lunch, and that Ofsted will inspect schools on their mobile phone policies. The government is also planning a consultation on banning social media for under-16s in the UK.
Key Facts
- Bridget Phillipson, Education Secretary, wants schools in England to be phone-free during the entire school day.
- The guidance says phones should not be used during classes, breaks, or lunch.
- Ofsted will check how schools implement mobile phone policies.
- A head teachers' union criticized the use of Ofsted to enforce phone policies.
- A government consultation is planned to discuss banning social media for under-16s in the UK.
- Teachers are encouraged to share their insights during the consultation.
- Recent survey data shows varying phone usage policies among primary and secondary school teachers.
- The government's mobile phone policy guidance applies only to England, with other UK regions having different approaches.
