{"id":153967,"date":"2024-10-15T02:36:08","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T02:36:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/15\/fight-begins-to-make-mobile-free-schools-law\/"},"modified":"2024-10-15T02:36:08","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T02:36:08","slug":"fight-begins-to-make-mobile-free-schools-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.talkwithrattan.com\/index.php\/2024\/10\/15\/fight-begins-to-make-mobile-free-schools-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Fight begins to make mobile-free schools law"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Calls are growing to ban smartphones in schools in England by law, as education experts and unions back an MP\u2019s attempt to push a new law through Parliament.<\/p>\n

Children \u201cdoomscrolling for hours a day\u201d is causing widespread harm, according to Josh MacAlister, the Labour MP and former teacher behind the private member’s bill being introduced in the House of Commons on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Most schools in England already have a ban or restrictions on phone use, after government guidance was introduced<\/a> earlier this year.<\/p>\n

But Mr MacAlister wants to turn the guidance into law, as well as bringing in what he calls \u201cseatbelt legislation\u201d for children\u2019s social-media use.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

‘Child development’<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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MPs could debate the proposals in the new year, if there is enough parliamentary time.<\/p>\n

Private members’ bills rarely make it into law without government backing but they are an opportunity for backbenchers to raise an issue\u2019s profile.<\/p>\n

And the Safer Phones Bill adds momentum to growing calls to restrict children\u2019s smartphone use, with local schools coming together<\/a> to revise their phone policies and parent groups joining forces<\/a> to delay giving their child a smartphone.<\/p>\n

Some of those in favour of smartphones<\/a> say they provide good opportunities for child development, including socialising, and there is little evidence supporting restrictions of devices in schools.<\/p>\n

Mr MacAlister is using the bill to call for:<\/p>\n