Could a ban on mobile phones in schools reduce cyberbullying?

Analysis: As more heads voice concerns about bullying online, the debate over smartphones in class shows no signs of stopping

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With secondary school pupils in England appearing to fall victim to cyberbullying more frequently than their peers across the world, according to a global survey of teachers, there is likely to be fierce debate over whether mobile phones should be banned in schools.

In France, pupils up to the age of 15 now have to leave their phones at home, or switch them off, after a law was passed prohibiting their use at school.

Now Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, is also set to ban pupils from using mobile phones in classrooms to help students to focus on their learning.

In the UK, it is up to the school and the headteacher to decide whether phones should be banned. But could a ban help to reduce students’ exposure to hurtful posts online and unwanted contact?

By restricting the time spent on mobile phones during the school day, pupils will automatically have less access to hurtful content on the internet and social media.

There is also less chance of them falling victim to mobile phones being used to ridicule them.

Earlier this year, Chris Keates, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, called for mobile phones to be banned in the wake of a growing number of pupils and teachers being “upskirted”.

A number of ministers, including health secretary Matt Hancock, have suggested mobiles should be banned during school hours amid concerns that social media use can expose children to risks like cyberbullying.

Some heads who have introduced a ban have noticed a decline in bullying during school hours. But ultimately it cannot reduce the risk in the evenings, weekends or holidays.

A 2015 study by the London School of Economics found that banning phones could give low-achieving and low-income pupils an additional hour a week in school.

But there have not been any major studies since then looking at phone bans in schools – and the policy’s effect on bullying levels have not yet been explored.

Many schools do not feel that it is necessary to ban phones during breaks as it would not help them learn how to moderate and manage their mobile phone use – a skill needed in adult life.

Meanwhile, others in the education sector argue that mobile phones can be used as valuable learning tools in lessons. Instead of just removing them, pupils can learn how to use them safely.

It is true that reducing screen time in schools could reduce risks of cyberbullying – but it is not a quick fix. Children still need to be taught how to protect themselves online and how to self-regulate their mobile phone to ensure they do not fall victim to cyberbullying away from the school gates.