Story perspectives

Campaign Urges Ban on Smartphones in Schools for Safety

9/4/2025

Summary

Story summary

Esther Ghey and Kate Winslet advocate for a legal ban on smartphones in schools due to inconsistent policies.
Only 11% of secondary schools fully prohibit smartphones, raising concerns about student safety and mental health.
Ghey highlights 120 safeguarding issues related to her daughter’s phone use, urging government support for phone-locking systems.
The #PhoneFreeEducation campaign seeks funding for effective phone policies in schools.
Government officials claim schools can restrict phone use, but Ghey calls for more comprehensive support.

History

Historical Context

The 2013 Children and Families Act in the UK aimed to enhance child welfare in education, yet only 11% of secondary schools fully banned smartphones. This reflects ongoing debates about technology's impact on youth, echoing discussions from the 1998 Internet Safety Act. The #PhoneFreeEducation campaign underscores the urgent need for policies addressing mental health and safety in schools.

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Story summary

Esther Ghey and Kate Winslet advocate for a legal ban on smartphones in schools due to inconsistent policies.
Only 11% of secondary schools fully prohibit smartphones, raising concerns about student safety and mental health.
Ghey highlights 120 safeguarding issues related to her daughter’s phone use, urging government support for phone-locking systems.
The #PhoneFreeEducation campaign seeks funding for effective phone policies in schools.
Government officials claim schools can restrict phone use, but Ghey calls for more comprehensive support.

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