Ban On Phones in Schools Advised

The UK local government, Knowsley Council is advising all its schools to ban the use of mobile phones by pupils during the day. The authority's newly-approved policy guidelines recommend a total ban on mobiles in primary schools. And councillors have also backed guidelines that suggest phones should not be used by secondary school pupils during the school day.

The guidance has been produced in response to concerns about possible health effects and the risk of theft.

The Council says that it consulted headteachers and pupils over the issue and used their responses to develop the guidelines. Research found that many Knowsley schools already had a ban in place. The Council also took account of Department of Health advice on the use of mobile phones by children and young people and Merseyside Police crime statistics.

Councillor Graham Wright, Chair of Knowsley's Education, Training and Culture Scrutiny Committee, said: "It was clear from the responses of headteachers and pupils, that there was support for a total ban on mobile phones in primary schools. Secondary schools requested more flexibility for students who need a phone for personal safety reasons when travelling to and from school - and we have responded to that in formulating the guidelines.

"We have also taken on board Department of Heath advice which recommends that the widespread use of mobile phones by children should be discouraged for non- essential calls. Crime statistics from Merseyside Police suggest that mobile phones can attract potential thieves and increase the risk of personal injury during a theft."

Posted to the site on 25th January 2006