Phone use could be banned or limited in schools, says Minister

Tuesday 11 June 2024

Mobile phones could be banned or have their use limited in schools, according to the Education Minister.

Deputy Rob Ward revealed there is "ongoing consideration" of introducing a potential blanket ban on phones in island schools.

The debate follows the introduction of a similar law in France that banned smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches for students under 15.

Pictured: Deputy Rob Ward is the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning. 

In the States Assembly this morning, Deputy Ward said that most Jersey secondary schools already have strict phone policies in place and many have been "phone-free" during the school day for years.

While not ruling out a blanket ban, the Education Minister explained that policies could be introduced to limit rather than prohibit phones to prepare students for responsible technology use in future. 

However, he added that results from an upcoming Children and Young People Survey on the topic will help guide any future policy changes.

The survey will poll students in Years 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 this October, with findings due to be published in March 2025.

Constable Karen Shenton-Stone raised concerns from parents in the 'Smartphone-Free Childhood' movement about the dangers and distractions of phones for children.

Deputy Ward confirmed that he has met with group members and will continue discussing the issue with headteachers.

Pictured: In France, smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches are banned in schools for students under 15.

The Education Minister said that students spend only about 15% of their time in school, and called for schools, parents, and students to work together on appropriate phone use and safety for the remaining 85% of the time.

Several politicians also raised questions about balancing phone use as an educational tool for revision and home learning versus the potential for overuse, addiction and distraction.

Deputy Ward said these were "new issues" that required guidance on recommended screen times.

He added: "We are in a world of exponential growth in what's available on smartphones and we need to...educate and inform parents on the use of those apps.

"We all are in this delicate balance."