MP proposes law to ban smartphones in school

A politician has put forward his ideas, which he hopes will create a new law banning smartphones in schools in England.

The official proposal, called a private members' bill, also recommends that social media platforms change the way they work for children.

Josh MacAlister, who is a Labour Member of Parliament for Whitehaven and Workington, wants the age of "internet adulthood" to be raised from 13 to 16. This would mean under-16s would need a parent or legal guardian's permission to use social apps like TikTok and Instagram.

Mr MacAlister says the bill will "protect children from the harms that can be caused by excessive screen time, and the use of social media".

Not everyone agrees that smartphones are a bad thing, some people say they are useful for kids' development and can be used for socialising.

Most schools in England already have a ban or restrictions on phone use, after government guidance was introduced in February but Mr MacAlister wants the protections to be made into law.

His ideas have to go through formal parliament debates to decide whether or not they can be voted into law.

The MP, who used to be a teacher, hopes that by raising the ideas it will help to reduce the risk of children becoming addicted to social media.

What changes does the MP want?

Josh MacAlister used to be a teacher but was elected to Parliament in 2024

Mr MacAlister says his ideas will provide children with added layers of safety online, and he compares them to using seatbelts in a car.

Here are the proposals he hopes will become law.

1. Raise the age of internet adulthood from 13 to 16

He says this gives more power to parents, as they will have to give permission for under 16s to use social media apps. He argues this will make it harder for companies to push addictive content towards children.

2. Ban smartphones in schools

This will give headteachers the legal support to make schools mobile-free zones.

3. Give Ofcom more power to protect children from addictive apps

Mr MacAlister says his bill would give Ofcom (the Office of Communications), which oversees UK TV, radio and internet, more powers to prevent children from being exposed to apps that are designed to be addictive.

4. Change the way phones are advertised to children

If the bill became law, then the government would have to review how smartphones are supplied and advertised to children under the age of 16. It may even have a say in the design of the phones, and ensure companies are considering children's wellbeing.

Will it become law?

Laws are proposed and passed or rejected in here - the Palace of Westminster

Parliament acts a bit like a factory that makes laws.

To make a law you start with a 'bill', which is an idea that someone thinks will make a good law.

When the idea comes from an MP, it is called a private members' bill.

Private members' bills are very difficult to get through parliament.

They often don't get made into law and need government backing to be successful.

What has the Government said?

The bill will now be debated in the House of Commons

A Government spokesperson said:

“We all want to find the best way of ensuring children are kept safe while also benefiting from the latest digital technology.

“The Online Safety Act will introduce strong safeguards for children, preventing them from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content. This will include requiring companies to check the age of children so that parents can have peace of mind about the safety of their children online.

“The vast majority of schools already handle the use of mobile phones effectively, including with bans. Legislating for an outright ban would simply remove the autonomy from school leaders who know their pupils and their communities best.”

What do you think?

What do you think about 'mobile-free schools?'

How do you feel about mobile-free schools? Do you think parents should have more say in what apps children use?

Let us know using the comments section below.