When children first started getting smartphones a decade ago, there was no research on their impact. Today, smartphones are inescapable. According to Ofcom, 98% of children between 16 and 17 years old own a smartphone in the UK, almost 50% of under-13s are now on social media, and 90% of children own a mobile phone by the time they reach 11.
Author Archives: Phone Locker
26
Feb
Feb
Debates over mobile phones in schools have exploded in recent years. As of 2022, almost 1 in 4 countries introduced laws, policies or guidelines that either mandate or advise schools to ban smartphones during the school day.
26
Feb
Feb
Denmark has joined a growing list of European countries that are getting stricter on teens and screentime, with a U-turn by its government that is set to introduce a new law.
19
Feb
Feb
Not long ago, FOMO (The fear of missing out) was a feeling that many of us were far too familiar with. Thanks to social media and the instant connectivity that we have at our fingertips, we’re able to keep up with everything and everyone, all the time. But should we?
06
Feb
Feb
Infamous venues like the Royal Shakespeare Company, National Theatre and The Globe Theatre are all following a no-phone policy to protect the experience of the show without the chances of ringing phones or secret recordings.
29
Jan
Jan
Amidst Kier Starmer’s recent controversy and allegations regarding his conduct in the ‘grooming gangs’ scandal, the Tories have challenged the Prime Minister to prove he is serious about improving the wellbeing and education of children by accepting their amendments to this bill. The Labour government are presenting the bill to a committee, but it’s understood […]
27
Jan
Jan
Much of Europe has introduced increasingly strict rules on mobile phones in schools, with studies – and even TV shows – showing the worrying effects of too much screentime, especially at a time when our children should be focused.
23
Jan
Jan
Navigating the mobile phone ban in UK schools sparks debate over student focus and technology’s role in education; what are the potential consequences?
16
Jan
Jan
There is some contention across Europe on the approach to banning mobile phones and smart devices from the classroom. We take a look at what’s causing people to stay on the fence. Back in 2021, Australia’s Queensland began rolling out mobile phones bans in schools, followed in 2023 by South Australia and New South Wales. […]
02
Jan
Jan
Following a ban in French-speaking schools in Germany, from the start of the 2025 school year, the use of smartphones, smart watches and other connected devices will be banned in all primary and secondary schools in Belgium’s German-speaking community too. We recently covered the news that Belgium were implementing a complete ban on mobile phones […]
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