"Mobile Phone Usage Ban" Guidelines for Schools Across England

Guidelines for Schools Nationwide... Teacher Searches Also Allowed
Not Permitted During Class or Break Times
Teachers' Union: "Already Banned During Class... Prioritize Regulation of Online Violence and Illegal Content"

The UK government has issued a 'mobile phone ban' guideline to schools nationwide. The guideline includes provisions that allow banning the use of mobile phones not only during class time but also during breaks, and permits teachers to confiscate students' phones. However, some have pointed out that this is not a fundamental solution.

On the 19th (local time), The Times and other UK media reported that "schools will gain significant authority to ban mobile phones," as the UK government released guidelines banning mobile phone use in schools across the country.

According to the guideline, school principals can impose a complete ban on students carrying mobile phones and punish possession itself. Teachers can search students' bags for phones that may have been hidden and confiscate them on school premises. Schools may collect students' phones upon arrival and return them at dismissal, or allow possession but punish usage if detected. The guideline can be applied at the discretion of individual principals, and is expected to provide protection against parents suing teachers over phone-related issues.

Gillian Keegan, UK Secretary of State for Education, said when announcing the guideline, "(The guideline is) a tool to improve student behavior," adding, "Schools are places of learning for children, so mobile phones are nothing but distractions, at least in the classroom." Authorities explained, "Banning mobile phones will help children and adolescents spend more time being active and socializing with peers, which is beneficial for mental health."

According to the UK Department of Education, 97% of UK students own mobile phones, and one in three students use their phones during class without permission.

However, the teachers' union stated that most schools already prohibit mobile phone use during class and called for regulation of violent and illegal content accessible online to students.

Jeff Batten, Secretary-General of the Association of School and College Leaders, criticized, "This guideline addresses a non-issue," noting, "Frontline schools already have policies on mobile phone use." He added, "The government would be better off focusing its energy on regulating online platforms where children can access extreme content."