By Isle of Wight Observer
A round table discussion, between students at Ryde Academy and IW East MP, Joe Robertson, on Monday, explored the issue of safer mobile phone use for young people.
The meeting came ahead of the Safer Phones Bill’s Second Reading in Parliament today (Friday). The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns about excessive phone and social media use, particularly among those under-16. The bill, which is unlikely to become law, aims to protect young people by introducing measures such as restricting social media targeting of under-16s, raising the age for data collection without parental consent, and reviewing phone sales to minors. It also asks the government to consider banning mobile phones in schools. Currently schools can decide their own policies, but do not have the backing of the law if they decide to ban mobile phones from school.
A study by think-tank, Policy Exchange, last year concluded that schools which ban mobile phones achieve better GCSE results than those with “laxer policies”.
Ryde Academy already has a phone ban during school hours. According to the school’s headteacher, William Doyle, the policy, introduced in response to student feedback, has had remarkable results. “Students are reporting how much happier they are, they are more focused in lessons and are more readily socialising with friends at social times,” he said.
Students shared their feedback on the ban with Mr. Robertson, with many agreeing with their headteacher. “One student told me it reduced her use of social media at home, too, as the six-hour break during the day helps break the cycle of dependency. When I asked for a show of hands, only one student was against the possibility of these new laws,” the MP said, adding that it is vital that MPs listen to young people.