Ban Smartphones In School? Eton Has A Better Answer
The Independent|February 20, 2024
I think I've now worked out what's wrong with the government's new guidelines on "banning" mobile phones from schools - they're actually not guidelines at all. Or, at best, they are drawn so widely as to be virtually meaningless.
SEAN O'GRADY
Ban Smartphones In School? Eton Has A Better Answer

Gillian Keegan, still an education secretary on a quest for some gratitude from a callous public, has launched the umpteenth set of guidance on how to tame the scourge smartphone addiction among our young, but I don't think a grateful nation will be overwhelming her with messages of thanks for her efforts.

Basically, the Department for Education is offering schools four options that, on the basis of some years of direct experience in the matter, they might just have worked out for themselves.

Thus, the department suggests a range of options, all glaringly obvious: a) No mobile phones on the school premises; b) Mobile phone handed in on arrival; c) Mobile phones kept in secure location, which the pupil does not access throughout the school day; d) Never used, seen or heard.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE INDEPENDENTView all
Brexit Deals A £3bn-A-Year Blow To UK Food Exports
The Independent

Brexit Deals A £3bn-A-Year Blow To UK Food Exports

British food sales to the EU have fallen by almost a fifth since the end of the Brexit transition period, a new report shows

time-read
4 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Biden Criticised Across The Board For Pardoning His Son
The Independent

Biden Criticised Across The Board For Pardoning His Son

President’s decision slated by Republicans and Democrats

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Why 8 hours is a myth and other athletes' sleep secrets
The Independent

Why 8 hours is a myth and other athletes' sleep secrets

Performance coach Greg Meehan tells Alex Pattle how he keeps clients, including boxers and footballers, in top shape

time-read
4 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Women like me won't stand for this treatment any more
The Independent

Women like me won't stand for this treatment any more

When I woke up to MasterChef’s Gregg Wallace blaming midlife, middle-class women and their lack of a sense of humour for his troubles, I confess to swearing at my phone.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 03, 2024
The BBC's Wallace problem goes beyond MasterChef
The Independent

The BBC's Wallace problem goes beyond MasterChef

Is the fate of a television cookery presenter more important than Syrian insurgents seizing Aleppo and the turmoil on the streets in Georgia? The BBC thinks so, based on its news judgements in recent days, which have seen exhaustive coverage of the accusations against Gregg Wallace take precedence over matters of life and death around the world.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Edwards knew that he was beaten but he never gave up
The Independent

Edwards knew that he was beaten but he never gave up

Former world flyweight champion told cornerman, 'I don't want to be here' after two rounds of his loss to Galal Yafai

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Proud Welshman who drew every drop from his talent
The Independent

Proud Welshman who drew every drop from his talent

Terry Griffiths was the first qualifier to lift the world crown

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Former world champion Terry Griffiths dies, aged 77
The Independent

Former world champion Terry Griffiths dies, aged 77

Tributes have been paid to former world snooker champion Terry Griffiths, who died on Sunday at the age of 77 after a long battle with dementia.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Transformed Gravenberch embodies Slot's Liverpool
The Independent

Transformed Gravenberch embodies Slot's Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp had a habit of sounding prophetic. Or he had the capacity, whether through coaching and tactical prowess or force of personality, to make some of what he said come true.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024
Soaring house prices heap pressure on fixer Rayner
The Independent

Soaring house prices heap pressure on fixer Rayner

Sorry to make a soggy start to the week even more miserable, but it brings bad news for homebuyers. The housing market has taken a shot of adrenaline and performed a season’s best in the high jump.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 03, 2024