Starmer under pressure to ban smartphones in schools

Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to consider banning smartphones in schools in light of overwhelming evidence” from New Zealand in support of such a move.

- HARRIETTE BOUCHER

In an exclusive interview with The Independent, New Zealand’s education minister Erica Stanford said she had heard “overwhelmingly positive feedback” about the world-leading phone ban in her country, which she said had resulted in more engagement and less cyberbullying in schools.

The New Zealand National Party government now hopes to build on the success of the policy and implement a ban on social media for under-16s. It comes as Sir Keir’s government is under increasing pressure to introduce similar measures in English schools, with the Tories and campaign groups pressing for a ban on the use of phones.

New Zealand’s government introduced its ban on mobile phones in schools last year. Ms Stanford told The Independent: “I’ve been told students are much more focused on their learning in class, they are engaging with their peers, reading more books, spending more time playing outside, and there are fewer reports of cyberbullying.

“I am committed to ensuring children are not only safe but remain focused in the classroom. Taking away the distraction of cellphones ensures better engagement in class and improves student achievement and wellbeing.”