UK Education Secretary Calls for Smartphone Ban in Classrooms
Bridget Phillipson urges stricter enforcement of phone-free policies and highlights the harm caused by social media in schools.
- Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated that smartphones are disruptive in classrooms and reaffirmed the government's support for banning their use during the school day.
- Phillipson tasked officials with monitoring smartphone policies in schools to ensure consistent enforcement across England.
- A survey by the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) revealed widespread issues with social media, including bullying, deepfake misuse, and access to harmful content by students.
- ASCL President Manny Botwe criticized social media platforms for enabling harm and called for stronger accountability measures under the new Online Safety Act.
- Phillipson also addressed broader challenges in education, including school attendance, special education support, and funding concerns for initiatives like free breakfast programs.