I’m backing phones-in-school-ban in respect for tragic teen Brianna

In a direct appeal to the PM and Secretary of State for Education, the letter read, “Across the country students and teachers are struggling with the impact of phones in the classroom. We are calling on you to take action to protect children’s education, safety and wellbeing by introducing a statutory ban on mobile phones during the school day”. It came from the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project (BGLP) and I was happy to give my support along with many of my PCC colleagues.

Brianna Ghey was a 16-year-old transgender girl who was murdered in a premeditated attack by Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe, both aged 15. The project that bears her name is an initiative founded by Brianna’s mother to promote mental health and safety for young people by raising awareness of the dangers of social media and harmful online content, which contributed to her daughter’s murder. It focuses on providing support through group wellbeing activities and online education, aiming to create a safer digital environment for youth.  

I readily understand parents like the security of their child carrying a phone so they can contact them throughout the day, especially going to and from school. But a report by the schools’ watchdog OFCOM found that 4 out of 5 teachers complained of lessons being disrupted by phones, and that three quarters of students accessed inappropriate content in class.

While those figures speak for themselves, schools have been left to formulate their own policy, yet I am inclined to agree that teachers know what is best for a healthy learning environment in the classroom and that it’s time the Government took the lead and introduced a blanket ban.

BGLP argues that “Most schools are relying on children to resist a temptation even adults struggle with. Phones are distracting students, increasing safeguarding risks and harming mental health. Teachers are battling to keep focus”. It is calling for a statutory ban on mobile phone use during the school day as the evidence about the negative impact of phones in schools continues to grow.

Surely medical and accessibility exemptions can be made  to allow secure storage for phones at schools that will ensure fair, safe, and consistent implementation in every school and, in doing so, satisfy both sides.