“They Are a Distraction": UK Puts End to Use of Mobile Phones in Classrooms

• The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, said the country was publishing new guidance to support schools in banning the use of mobile phones in classrooms
• Rishi stated this in a video shared via his X handle (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, February 19
• According to Rishi, the guideline would ensure the children receive the education that they deserve

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 5 years of experience covering basic and tertiary education in Nigeria and worldwide

London, United Kingdom - The prime minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, is promoting the ban of mobile phones in schools across the country.

Rishi said one-third of secondary school pupils claimed phone calls distract their lessons.

He stated this in a 50-second video posted on his X account (formerly known as Twitter) @RishiSunak, where he demonstrated how mobile phones could cause distraction in classrooms.

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The leader of the Conservative Party said the UK is publishing new guidance to support other schools in banning mobile phones to make children receive the education they deserve.

"Almost one-third of secondary school pupils said their lessons were disrupted by phones.”

He added that:

“We know that they are a distraction in the classroom and cause bullying in schools. Many schools have already banned them, which has led to a safer and better learning environment for their students. Now we're publishing new guidance so other schools have the support they need to do the same. We're making sure our children receive the education that they deserve."

As reported by Sky News, Tom Bennett, who advises the UK education department on behaviour, said the government has a strong understanding of how damaging mobile phones can be for a child's social and educational development.

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Bennett explained that the guideline will provide a clear direction about what's right for the children.

"And it's the least advantaged who suffer most. Many schools already have some kind of policy on phones, but this guidance provides a clear steer for everyone, including parents, about what's right and what's not for the wellbeing of the child."

Bingham University bans smartphones on campus

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that a university in Nasarawa state, Bingham University, stirred reactions on social media after a press release signed by its management confirmed the banning of phones among students on campus.

According to a post shared on Instagram on January 20 by @lindaikeblogoffocial, the school owned by Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) gave the ban as a result of repeated abuse by the students of the university.

Source: Legit.ng