Northern Ireland schools told to restrict mobile phone use

Should mobile phone use be allowed in schools?

Schools in Northern Ireland have been given new guidance that says pupils should not use their mobile phones during the day, with limited access at break and lunch time.

The education minister, Paul Givan, said there was growing evidence that phones "distract children from learning".

Mr Givan said lots of schools already have restrictions or bans on mobile phone use in place, but wants more consistency across all schools in the country.

The guidance is mainly for secondary schools in Northern Ireland, but advises that phones should not be brought into primary schools at all in normal circumstances.

What's next for schools in Northern Ireland?

As part of Mr Givan's announcement, schools are being asked to take a look at their current rules around pupils' phone use during the new term.

The new guidance includes a number of different approaches schools can take to limit pupils' phone use including:

• Preventing pupils from bringing their personal mobile devices on the school premises

• Making pupils hand in their phones when they arrive at school

• Pupils’ phones being kept in secure storage while they're at school

• Making sure pupils switch off their phones and keep them out of sight during the school day

But the suggested restriction on phone use from the education minister aren't legally binding, which means schools don't have to follow them.

Northern Ireland has issued new guidance on mobile phone use in schools

Along with the new guidance, schools are also being given the opportunity to experiment with different ways to prevent pupils from using their phones.

This includes a pocket-sized fabric pouch with a magnetic latch which is closed at the beginning of the school day and can be opened again using a special lock.

“Changes around phone use in schools can make the world of difference in our classrooms," Mr Givan said.

"Restricting their use during the school day allows children to better concentrate, engage and learn, as well as enjoying ‘phone-free’ break and lunchtimes so they can play, have fun, participate in sports and socialise with their friends.

“Today’s guidance will support our teachers to allow them to do what they do best – teach.”

What about the rest of the UK?

Similar guidance has been issued by governments in England and Scotland

The government in England published guidance on phone use in schools earlier this year.

Like the new guidance from Northern Ireland, some of their suggestions for restricting pupils' phone use include students handing phones in when they arrive at school and staff making sure the devices aren't being used throughout the day.

Scotland issued similar guidance in August this year.

Individual schools in Wales are able to place restrictions on students' mobile phone use, but the government hasn't issued any national guidance on this so far.

Do you think pupils' use of mobile phones should be restricted during the school day? Why not let us know your thoughts in the comments below.