Fathers plan legal action to get smartphones banned in England's schools

9 months ago

Two fathers, Will Orr-Ewing and Pete Montgomery, plan legal action to ban smartphones in schools in England.
They argue current guidance allowing headteachers to decide smartphone use is unlawful and unsafe for children.
The Department for Education (DfE) has 14 days to respond before judicial review proceedings can begin.
A national survey found 90% of English schools ban mobile phone use, with varying enforcement levels.
The fathers claim smartphones are used dangerously, citing cyberbullying, access to harmful content, and harassment.
They advocate for a complete ban, suggesting children use basic 'brick phones' for communication instead.
Government guidance acknowledges risks like bullying, harassment, and pornography but leaves management to schools.
Freedom of information requests revealed schools report safeguarding incidents linked to smartphones and social media.
The DfE states schools already have the power to ban phones and cites the Online Safety Act for better protections.

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