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Teachers

Schools Crack Down on Mobile Phones as Teachers Reveal Divergent Policies

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the new academic year gets underway, schools in England are grappling with the issue of mobile phones in the classroom. Fresh polling by TeacherTapp reveals that nearly one in five secondary teachers have policies in place where pupils' mobiles are collected or stored in special pouches at the start of the day. This comes as Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson warned earlier this year that smartphones have no place in schools.

While some schools are taking a stricter approach, others have more relaxed policies. A significant 56% of teachers reported that mobile phones are not permitted to be used by pupils at all during the school day. One in 20 teachers stated that mobile phones are not allowed on the grounds at all. Mark Lehain, executive headteacher at Wootton Academy Trust, described mobile phones as a "disaster for students," citing distractions and safety concerns.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over half (56%) of secondary teachers reported that mobile phones are not permitted to be used by pupils at all during the school day.
  • One in five (18%) teachers collect mobile phones in or place them in pouches at the beginning of the day, only to be handed back at the end.
  • One in 20 (5%) teachers stated that mobile phones are not allowed on the grounds at all.
  • Sanctions for phone rule-breakers have been toughened at Wootton Upper School as an interim measure until a new policy is implemented.
  • Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson warned that smartphones have no place in schools.
  • Esther Ghey, a parent who lost her daughter to a murder, called for a statutory ban on smartphones in schools, stating it would have given her daughter "a better chance at life."

Statistics:

  • 13% of secondary teachers said mobile phones are not allowed to be used by students at all during the day, except when directed by a teacher.
  • 18% of teachers reported mobile phones are collected in or placed in pouches at the beginning of the day before being handed back at the end.
  • 56% of teachers stated that mobile phones are not permitted to be used by pupils at all during the school day.
  • Nearly 6,000 secondary teachers in England were polled by TeacherTapp, with results revealed earlier this month (September 4).

Sources:

  • BBC, September 4, 2023: "Mum of murdered teenager asks for ban on smartphones in schools"
  • TeacherTapp, September 2023: "Polling of 6,000 secondary teachers in England"
  • Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, 2023: "Smartphones have no place in schools"
  • Esther Ghey, September 2023: Letter to the government calling for a statutory ban on smartphones in schools
  • Mark Lehain, executive headteacher at Wootton Academy Trust, September 2023: Interview with [newspaper name]
  • National Education Union General Secretary Daniel Kebede, September 2023: Statement on clear policies in schools to reduce screen time and promote engagement with learning

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