Two determined fathers have launched a legal campaign for a smartphone ban in schools across England. Will Orr-Ewing and Pete Montgomery notified Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson of their planned judicial review last Friday.
The fathers argue that existing guidelines, which let headteachers set phone rules, endanger children. Through their group Generation Alpha, they demand stricter protections. “Schools need uniform standards,” Montgomery stated, especially when considering the smartphone use.
Currently, 90% of English schools restrict phone use differently. Some ban devices entirely while others permit silent carrying. The Department for Education insists heads already have sufficient authority, but the smartphone debate continues.
Orr-Ewing cited alarming cases of misuse. “Kids watch violent content during lessons,” he said. A significant issue is the sharing of locker-room photos; hence, a smartphone ban in schools could prevent such incidents.
Recent FoI requests revealed one school reported 55 smartphone-related safeguarding incidents last year. Seventeen required police involvement. “These aren’t isolated cases,” Montgomery emphasized, urging stricter smartphone regulations.
The campaign proposes limiting devices to basic call-and-text models. “Smartphones enable predators and porn access,” Orr-Ewing explained. By eliminating these risks, a smartphone ban in schools could make a significant difference.
Last week’s DfE guidance acknowledged phones facilitate bullying and sexting. However, it stopped short of mandating prohibitions that would directly align with a complete smartphone ban in schools.
The government has 14 days to respond before formal court proceedings start. Ministers highlight new Online Safety Act protections, but campaigners call these insufficient in addressing smartphone concerns.
“Voluntary policies create loopholes,” Montgomery argued. “Only a statutory smartphone ban in schools guarantees consistency.” Teachers’ unions remain divided, with some warning enforcement challenges surrounding this ban.
As the case advances, parents nationwide await clarity on the smartphone situation. With mental health crises linked to social media use, this legal battle surrounding the smartphone ban may redefine classroom tech policies permanently.
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