UK Parents Push for Smartphone Ban in Schools Amid Rising Concerns

A proposed bill seeks to curb smartphone use among children to combat addiction and mental health issues.

Nearly 70% of UK adults support a ban on smartphones in schools, according to recent polling.
Labour MP Josh MacAlister introduced the Safer Phones Bill, aiming to make schools mobile-free zones and raise the legal age for social media access to 16.
The bill has cross-party backing but faces resistance from the government, which believes current laws are sufficient.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting acknowledged the debate's timeliness, citing concerns over smartphone addiction's impact on children's mental health.
Parents express a desire for government assistance in managing smartphone use, but 87% agree they should primarily police their children's screen time.