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6mo ago

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.

Experts and teachers have argued that phones distract students from learning and socializing.
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Overview

  • 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.