I could feel the fear in a hall full of primary school parents in Totnes as they listened to campaigners going through the evidence about the impact of smartphones on kids at secondary school.
The statistics are shocking:
- Nearly one in 10 children aged eight to 14 have watched online pornography
- Almost half of children in England have seen harmful content online, including beheadings.
- Despite multiple studies finding that smartphone usage can damage a child’s mental health, nine in 10 children own a mobile phone by the time they turn 11.
- Even children are aware of the risks, with a third of eight-to-17-year-olds who are online believing their screen time is too high.
There’s a clear safeguarding issue about kids seeing videos showing hardcore pornography and violence.
I was pleased recently when Kingsbridge Community College announced a smartphone-free policy from September to protect children, meaning no phones at school at all except for reasonable adjustments.
I know there are also parent groups across South Devon committing to not give their children smartphones until they reach a certain age.
On July 21, I asked the Minister for Early Education if the Government would direct all schools to become smartphone-free.
I’m aware of the challenges such a decision could have, especially for children with SEND, and that’s why allowances and flexibility must be built into any policy. But the only way to prohibit the use of smartphones in schools is to introduce a policy that stops pupils bringing them onto school premises.
Even when they are in schoolbags and pockets they distract pupils and the temptation is always there for them to be used secretly, in breaks, under desks and out of the sight of teachers.
If you wish to talk to me about this further, please feel free to email me at caroline.voaden.mp@parliament.uk
