Schools to restrict mobile phone use during school day

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Last Updated: 35 minutes ago

Blaenau Gwent schools are set to introduce new guidance restricting mobile phone and smart device use during the school day, following concerns about their impact on pupil behaviour and learning.

The guidance, discussed at a special scrutiny committee meeting on 8 October, will be shared with all school governing bodies next month to help them place restrictions on mobile phones and devices such as Apple Watches.

School Inclusion Manager Julie Sambrook told councillors: “The decision to develop this guidance for schools is in response to the growing evidence around the negative impacts that mobiles and digital devices are having on pupil behaviour, wellbeing and outcomes.”

She added: “Concerns have been reported to me over the last year from schools and trade unions of the detrimental effect the use of mobile phones was having, with checking for social media and text messages amongst things that are impacting on teaching and learning in the classroom.”

The restrictions will extend to unstructured times such as dinner and play time, though exceptions will be made for medical or accessibility reasons, including children with Type 1 diabetes who use phone apps to check blood sugar levels.

Committee Chairman Cllr Wayne Hodgins raised concerns about the wording in the draft letter to parents, noting: “We all welcome this, but the word ban is in the letter, and the Welsh Government says not to use it.”

The letter will be amended to use “restricted” instead of “banning” before being sent to parents next month. Around half of Blaenau Gwent schools already have their own mobile phone policies in place.

The guidance will go before the Labour Cabinet for ratification on Monday, 13 October.

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