Education producer Hope Rhodes has unveiled that the bill aimed at restricting smartphones in schools has been altered to gain government backing. Joshua MacAlister, the Labour MP for Whitehaven and Workington, initially planned to grant headteachers legal authority to make schools phone-free. However, the revised bill now prioritizes further research and parental guidance on smartphone and social media usage among children.
The private member’s bill is scheduled for debate in the House of Commons this Friday, but has undergone changes since its inception in October last year. Initially proposing a ban on smartphones in schools and addictive social media algorithms, the bill now shifts its focus to urging the government to conduct more research into the issue. MacAlister, a former teacher, expressed optimism in garnering ministerial support for the bill, emphasizing the collaborative effort with the government to introduce practical measures.
Despite the government’s reluctance to consider banning smartphones in schools, MacAlister remains hopeful for advancements in addressing the issue. The revised version of the bill no longer advocates for mobile-free zones in schools, instead emphasizing the need for guidelines from chief medical officers on smartphone and social media use by children, as well as research into the impact of social media on youth. Feedback on whether to raise the digital age of consent from 13 to 16 is also anticipated within a year.
As the bill proceeds to parliamentary debate, sentiments from campaigners like Joe Ryrie express disappointment in the bill’s diluted provisions, deeming them insufficient. The Liberal Democrats have criticized the government for sluggish progress on the matter, insinuating that the bill has been weakened. MacAlister envisions the bill as a catalyst for national dialogue and parliamentary deliberation on the issue, anticipating positive strides from the government in response to the legislation.
A forthcoming report highlighting young people’s support for stricter social media regulations underscores the urgency of addressing digital wellbeing concerns. The survey conducted by The New Britain Project and More in Common revealed that a significant proportion of individuals aged 16 to 24 advocate for enhanced safeguards against social media’s detrimental effects on mental health. As discussions unfold in the Commons, the need to safeguard children from the negative impacts of social media remains a pressing concern
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