Phones are harming both students’ academic performance and mental health. We need to act, the case for change could not be clearer.
But instead of using his power to shield children from the dangers of smartphones in the classroom, the Prime Minister is getting distracted by Netflix.
Adolescence is a powerful drama which has kickstarted a conversation across the country, but as politicians we need to focus on policy.
Instead of talking about screening a drama in schools, the Government should be taking action to stop phones being in schools – this is how we protect young people.
Labour had the chance to act and make it happen by supporting our amendment to ban smartphones in schools for under-16s.
Regrettably, the Education Secretary called it a “gimmick,” and the Prime Minister dismissed it as “unnecessary.” They are both clearly wrong.
Parents, teachers, and children are crying out for the government to act and get phones out of schools. Phones are causing massive disruption. The evidence supports our proposal.
It’s not too late for Labour to change course and do the right thing. I hope the Government can put politics aside and act now to protect our children and improve education. If we don’t, I fear we will look back and wonder why we didn’t act sooner.
Laura Trott is the shadow education secretary
