London – The UK is considering legislation to ban mobile phones in schools, following growing concerns about their impact on students' academic performance and well-being. A recent report by the UK House of Lords Library highlighted the negative effects of mobile phone use in schools, including distraction, cyberbullying, and reduced academic achievement.
Studies have shown that banning mobile phones in schools can lead to a significant improvement in test scores. A 2015 study by the London School of Economics found that test scores rose by 6 percentage points after mobile phone bans were implemented in secondary schools.
Cyberbullying is another major concern. A 2020 survey by the UK Office for National Statistics revealed that one in five students in England and Wales had experienced cyberbullying via mobile phone, with 72% of these cases occurring at school.
Despite these concerns, the UK government has been reluctant to impose a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools, citing their potential educational benefits and use in emergencies. However, public opinion appears to be shifting, with a recent survey showing that nearly half of Britons support a complete ban on mobile phones in schools.
In response to these concerns, Labor MP Josh MacAlister introduced the 'Children's Digital Safety and Data Protection Bill' in October 2024. The bill, which is currently under review, includes provisions for banning mobile phones in schools and addressing mobile phone addiction.
If passed, the bill would give schools a legal basis for banning mobile phones, providing a consistent approach across the country. While the government has yet to take a firm stance on the issue, the growing evidence of the negative impact of mobile phones in schools may force them to reconsider their position.
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