The new school year has begun, routines have been reestablished and, with this new term, a hot educational debate has, once again, become highlighted and thrust to the forefront. Schools have begun to take strong stances on the issue of allowing mobile phones in school.
Several leading schools in the UK have taken the step to ban mobile phones completely!
Statistics show that 97% of children over the age of 12 have a mobile phone with all the smart features that this entails. In fact, a mobile phone can now operate as a minicomputer. Screentime is at a world-wide, all-time high.
Is it extreme to totally ban phones? The schools that are doing so have their students check in their phones in the morning, and they collect them at home time. The purpose usually stated is that the ban will help their students to focus, study, interact, and be totally present in the day!
Indeed, following the latest research, the UK Department of Education has published documentation that encourages a phone-free environment and prohibits the use of phones. France, Italy and we ourselves in Portugal have carried out the same research and published very similar advice and regulations.
Research very clearly outlines that time online during a school day can lead to bullying, anti-social behaviour, problems with concentration, disorientation and low self-esteem to list but a few.
Schools, therefore, are being told that they have an obligation to take control of the learning environment and prohibit phones during the school day. The governments have additionally mapped out a clear code of conduct for achieving this.
- All schools should have a clear mobile phone policy available for all parents, students and educators to see. Ask to see the Mobile Policy for your child’s school.
- This policy should make it very clear how a mobile phone-free school should operate.
- A school can opt for a straightforward no-mobile-phones-at-school policy which is very straightforward, and any mobile found at school would be in breach of the said school policy.
- Mobile phones handed in on arrival and collected on departure; a sensible solution especially for middle school children who may travel to and from school on their own or on public transport.
- Some schools use a ‘never used, seen or heard’ policy. Students keep possession of their own phone and will be found in violation of the policy if they break it during the school day.
For a school, it can be very controversial. However, when the role is to provide and ensure the health, safety and optimum learning potential of their pupils, a school that makes a strong and transparent stand will have support and understanding from all.
Of course, a zero phones policy must be modelled by all! It would not be appropriate for Heads of school, teachers or school staff to be actively seen using their mobile phones during the school day in front of students, especially during lessons.
As a parent and educator, I do believe that any distraction that hinders a child’s performance and wellbeing is disadvantageous, and school is always a challenge! Therefore, in my view, the imposing of clear set regulations regarding mobile phones is a positive one, especially given the hours that researchers are showing us that children outside of school already spend on their devices.
The importance of screen-free time should not be overlooked for the health and well-being of a generation who have never existed in a smart-free technological world! It is also of vital importance that we, the parents and educators, regularly model screen-free time and are not interrupted by unnecessary texting or calls. We must lead by example always!
Sometimes we all just need to put our phones down and live in the moment; experience, interact, communicate and express ourselves! – Penelope Best
By Penelope Best,
International Education Consultant
