NO MOBILE PHONES IN SCHOOLS ; Council Wants Ban to Stop Class Disruption

By GREG O’KEEFFE

MOBILE phones could be banned in all Knowsley primary schools. Education officials also want to limit their use in secondary schools.

It follows disruptions in lessons with ringing phones and children trying to send text messages.

The authority’s newly approved policy guidelines will, however, allow children to carry phones in their bags providing they stay switched off.

The guidance has been produced after concerns about possible health effects, lesson disruption and the risk of theft.

The council consulted head teachers and pupils and used their responses to develop the guidelines.

Research found that many Knowsley schools already had a ban in place. The council also referred to Department of Health advice on the use of mobile phones by children and young people, and police crime statistics.

Cllr Graham Wright, chairman 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.

“We have also taken on board 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 injury during a theft.” The new guidelines will now be issued to schools, parents and governing bodies who will be advised to adopt them.