As a mother myself, I share the concerns of many about keeping children safe and the impact of social media on wellbeing and mental health.
Last week, I chaired a panel bringing together school leaders and teachers who share concerns about online safety for children. The event, organised by Smartphone Free Childhood, provided a space for discussions centred around banning smartphones in school. It was insightful to listen to a broad range of perspectives.
Today, the government has announced that it will update the guidance to make it clear that schools should be phone free by default.
Strengthened guidance removes ambiguity, sets clear expectations, and is backed by 1-1 school support for those struggling to ban phones and by Ofsted checking mobile phone policies and how well they’re enforced on every inspection.
This forms part of a wider government announcement committing to a consultation on how best to protect children online, including determining the appropriate minimum age for access to social media and exploring a potential ban for children below a certain age.
That is why I am pleased the Government is committed to taking action, in a way that is driven by the evidence and commands widespread support.
I know these announcements will be welcomed by many Wycombe residents.