West Sussex County Council has welcomed new Government guidance aimed at keeping smartphones out of schools during the day.
The move follows concerns about the impact of devices on children’s learning and wellbeing.
Cabinet Members Jacquie Russell and Bob Lanzer had called for national legislation to make primary schools smartphone-free.
They say that while the new guidance isn’t legally binding, it’s a positive step in tackling the issue.
The letter from Cllr Russell and Cllr Lanzer called for national legislation that would require all primary school settings to be smartphone free during the school day. The letter specified that legislation should focus on primary settings, acknowledging that secondary schools may require more flexibility due to educational, safeguarding and practical considerations.
Although the new guidance is not statutory, the Cabinet Members have acknowledged it is a positive step forward to help tackle the issue of smartphones in schools.
Cllr Russell said: “We work closely with schools across the county. We have a responsibility to ensure children and young people learn in environments that are safe, supportive and help them reach their full potential, aligned with Our Council Plan priorities.
“Professionals across West Sussex have told us time and again that smartphones in primary schools create unnecessary distractions and expose children to content they are not emotionally ready to deal with.
“We want to help teachers and school staff by ensuring there are clear rules and consistent approaches for managing changes in the school environment, including the use of new technologies. The new guidelines support those aims.”
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