Should children be allowed their mobile phones in schools? Join The Independent Debate

New guidance sets out several examples of how to enforce phone-free environments - but is it missing the point entirely?

Schools in England have been issued new guidance intended to prohibit the use of mobile phones (Getty Images)

Schools in England have been issued new guidance intended to prohibit the use of mobile phones.

The move is part of the goverment’s plan to ensure a consistent approach across schools and “minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms”.

However, the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) union said the most compulsive use of phones happened out of school and called the change a “non-policy for a non-problem”.

The guidance sets out several examples of how to enforce phone-free environments, including a total ban on mobiles on schools premises, or rules dictating phones are handed in at the start of the day.

Schools could also allow pupils to keep possession of their phones, the guidance states, but “only on the strict condition that they are never used, seen, or heard”.

The ASCL said it did not expect the guidance to make any difference, adding: “The government would be far better off putting its energies into bringing to heel the online platforms via which children are able to access disturbing and extreme content.”

We want to know what you think. Should mobile phones be totally banned from school premises? Or should the government focus their efforts elsewhere?

Would you support phone-free classrooms? Or is ensuring responsible mobile usage an issue for parents and not teachers?

If you want to share your opinion then add it in the comments and we’ll highlight the most insightful ones as they come in.

All you have to do is sign up and register your details - then you can then take part in the discussion. You can also sign up by clicking ‘log in’ on the top right-hand corner of the screen.

Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment click here.

Join the conversation with other Independent readers below.