Call for ban on smartphones in schools in Devon

The council does not have the authority to put a ban in place, but would "encourage" schools to not have them

Schools in Devon could be encouraged to ban smartphones for children if calls for a change in policy are successful.

Devon County Council members will consider backing a countywide ban on student smartphone use during the school day - including in breaks and lunchtimes.

Graham Bell, Liberal Democrat member for Braunton Rural, is bringing the motion to the full council meeting on Thursday and said it was about putting children's wellbeing first.

The council does not have the authority to put a ban in place itself but would "encourage and support all schools" to not allow smartphones in school, or have them handed in on arrival or stored securely throughout the day.

'Lead by example'

Bell is pushing for the council to publicly support the Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) campaign and organise a public consultation on the issue.

He said the policy should also "encourage school staff as well as visitors and parents to lead by example" by not using smartphones in shared student spaces.

The head teacher of a school in Plymouth that banned the use of mobile phones six years ago said teachers noticed improvements in school work and social activity.

However, the first study of its kind into the impact of smartphone use on children suggested banning phones in schools was not linked to pupils getting higher grades or having better mental wellbeing.