Pupils face ban on mobiles to create 'calm classrooms'

Pupils' mobile phones may be banned from schools in a drive to crack down on bad behaviour and create ‘calm classrooms’.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said yesterday he wants to make the school day mobile-free as the phones can be distracting and potentially ‘damaging’ when misused.

The idea is being considered as part of a six-week consultation, launched today, seeking the views of teachers and parents on how to manage behaviour.

Mr Williamson believes good discipline in classes is essential to help pupils catch up after the pandemic.

It comes amid growing concerns that pupils are using phones to bully each other on social media or for sexual harassment.

Teachers have spoken about the growing trend of ‘up-skirting’ where boys take photos of female pupils and teachers without their knowledge.

Many schools are trying to ban phones in classrooms, but it can be a struggle when parents are not supportive.

Mr Williamson said: ‘No parent wants to send their child to a school where poor behaviour is rife.

Every school should be a safe place that allows young people to thrive and teachers to excel.

'Mobile phones are not just distracting. When misused or overused, they can have a damaging effect on a pupil’s mental health and well-being.

‘I want to put an end to this, making the school day mobile-free. In order for us to help pupils overcome the challenges from the pandemic and level up opportunity for all young people, we need to ensure they can benefit from calm classrooms which support them to thrive.’

The consultation comes ahead of planned updates to Government guidance later this year on behaviour and discipline.

It will also address suspensions and permanent exclusions of disruptive children.

Ministers have so far supported headteachers who want to exclude pupils, but Left-wing campaigners say disadvantaged children are more affected and youngsters become vulnerable to gangs.

The Department for Education has already announced details of a £10million ‘behaviour hub’ programme.
Headteachers and specialists from schools with reputations for good behaviour are supporting institutions struggling with poor discipline.