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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.
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