Smartphones in Schools 2025-06-16
2025-06-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
MP references evidence that schools with smartphone bans were rated higher by Ofsted and achieved better GCSE results. Criticizes the government for issuing non-statutory guidance rather than implementing a ban.
Schools with a smartphone ban were rated higher by Ofsted, and their students achieved better GCSE results. All the evidence shows the benefit of banning smartphones in schools, but the Government are simply issuing non-statutory guidance and passing the buck. Does the Minister not understand the evidence? Does he need more evidence, or does he not trust the Government to be able to implement a ban on smartphones in schools?
I will take no lectures from the Conservatives on this issue. When they were in government, they exclaimed that the same guidance meant a consistent approach across schools. I have to ask: if they were wrong then, are they wrong now?
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific request for evidence or trust was not directly addressed.
Taking Lectures From The Conservatives
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
MP links mobile phones to disruptive and violent behaviour in classrooms.
Mobile phones in classrooms are linked to disruptive and violent behaviour. Does the Minister agree that mobile phones should be banned in all schools so that children are focused on their education, not glued to Instagram and TikTok?
I repeat my earlier answer: legislation is not necessary, because schools already have the power to ban phones in schools, and the majority have chosen to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific request for agreement on a complete ban was not directly addressed.
Repeating An Earlier Statement
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
MP highlights successful implementation of smartphone bans in certain schools and asks how to spread good practice.
From speaking with former teaching colleagues and local school leaders, I know that the impact that powerful school policies to restrict the use of smartphones and keep them out of schools can have is really clear. Fantastic work has been done on that, including by Hitchin boys’ school in my constituency, but sadly not all schools are meeting this high standard in ensuring that they have robust and well-enforced policies. How can we ensure that we are spreading this good practice to every school across the country? Would the Minister love to visit Hitchin boys’ school in my seat so that he can see at first hand the fantastic work it is doing?
I think that shows that schools actually have the power to do this. It is worth saying that everyone, including parents, schools and providers, is responsible for ensuring that children are aware of the importance of internet safety. We encourage schools to consult and to build on that support with parents to develop a policy that works in the context and that keeps children and young people safe.
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Assessment & feedback
The MP's specific request for spreading good practice was not directly addressed.
Encouraging Consultation
Response accuracy