A petition spearheaded by Zena Blackwell calling for a nationwide ban on smartphones in schools across Wales has led to an inquiry by the Senedd's Petitions Committee. Despite the appeal, the committee's report concluded that an outright ban on smartphones in schools should not be implemented. Instead, the inquiry highlighted the necessity for schools to receive more support from the Welsh government to establish their own restrictions tailored to their unique needs.
The inquiry delved into the various rules currently enforced by schools in Wales, acknowledging the intricate relationship young people have with their smartphones. As the presence of smartphones in schools continues to stir debate, the Welsh government was urged to keep abreast of research assessing the impact of smartphone restrictions during school hours. Zena Blackwell, the petitioner, expressed her call for "consistency" in rules, emphasizing that the current system feels unfair.
"Consistency is paramount, as the current system feels unjust," said Zena Blackwell.
Tracey Boothby from Lampeter, Ceredigion, remarked that implementing a ban would be challenging. She noted the importance of avoiding social media usage during school time but acknowledged that parents should support whatever rules schools decide upon.
"You're in a place of education, and I do feel, as parents that… we should help with whatever the schools decide," expressed Tracey Boothby.
The report from the Petitions Committee emphasized the complexity of the issue, as described by Carolyn Thomas, the Labour chairwoman of the committee. The Senedd inquiry underscored that smartphones should not be banned outright but that schools require flexibility and governmental support to formulate effective policies.
"School leaders need the flexibility and support to develop a policy that works for them to keep the children and staff in their schools and communities safe," stated Laura Doel, national secretary of school leaders' union NAHT Cymru.
Laura Doel emphasized that while phone use is prevalent in society, it is crucial to educate children on navigating the online world safely and responsibly.
"The fact is we live in a society where phone use is prevalent," Doel noted. "But it is important that we educate children and young people, to help them understand and navigate this online world, and make sure they know how to seek help when it becomes unsafe or unhealthy, as well as clamping down on those who do not obey the rules."
The Welsh government is actively collaborating with schools to address smartphone usage issues. Meanwhile, in England, smartphones are not banned from schools, although guidance from the UK government encourages headteachers to prohibit their use during school hours.
The Petitions Committee's recommendation reflects a broader understanding of the role smartphones play in students' lives. By allowing individual schools to devise policies that align with their specific circumstances, there is potential for more effective management of smartphone use in educational settings.
