Aphra Brandreth, Member of Parliament for Chester South and Eddibsury, has supported a Conservative amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and School's Bill to ban the use of mobile phones during the school day.
The Conservatives tabled the amendment for a number of reasons ranging from safety to academic attainment. The evidence base for the negative impact of smartphones on children’s education continues to grow. Recent reports, including one from the United Nations in 2023, have highlighted the disturbing ways in which mobile devices can disrupt learning, reduce academic performance, and even facilitate bullying. I
According to a Policy Exchange report published last year, only 11 per cent of secondary schools have an “effective" ban" on mobile phones in the classroom, with many schools failing to implement restrictions. Public support for a ban is strong with 60 per cent of people in Britain agreeing that smartphones should be prohibited in schools. Aphra Brandreth MP, along with her Conservative colleagues, has taken a clear, proactive stance on this issue to protect children’s well-being and ensure schools are conducive to learning.
The amendment was not successful following the Labour Government's opposition to it.
Following the vote, Aphra Brandreth MP said:
"I have listened to headteachers, parents and students and have voted to ban mobile phones in schools during the school day. Guidance was welcome but it wasn’t enough.At the heart of my decision was the safety, behaviour and academic attainment of all children. It was disappointing that Labour did not support this Conservatives amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to better support our children."
