Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester South and Eddisbury, today urged the Government to take stronger action to protect children in schools by introducing a statutory ban on smartphones in classrooms. Her call came as Esther Ghey visited Westminster to promote her Phone Free Education campaign.
Speaking in the Chamber, Aphra Brandreth MP said:
“Following the tragic murder of her daughter, Brianna, Esther Ghey has dedicated herself to making our schools safer. I've just come from an event she is hosting in Parliament calling for a statutory ban on smartphones in classrooms. Will the Minister for Children and Families make time to attend today's event and make clear whether the Government supports a statutory phone-free education for all children?”
Esther Ghey launched the campaign after the devastating loss of her daughter Brianna in February 2023. Brianna’s killers had consumed violent and extreme content online, and Brianna herself struggled with harmful material on social media, which worsened her mental health and disrupted her education.
Phones in schools are not just a distraction, they are harming mental health and putting children at risk. Current government guidance isn’t enough. Aphra Brandreth believes a statutory ban, supported by practical storage solutions, is essential to ensure every child is protected. Earlier this year, Conservatives set out plans to deliver this, but the Government voted them down. Ministers say guidance is enough, but the reality is it’s not.
Esther’s campaign has gained widespread backing, including many MPs across Cheshire and Warrington and high-profile supporters such as Kate Winslet, and Stephen Graham.
