Hull dad calls for clarity on school phone ban for children with medical needs
Smartphones are described as medical lifelines by a parent campaigning for clearer rules
A Hull dad has raised concerns about plans to make schools in England completely phone-free during the school day, saying this could harm children with medical conditions.
John Story's daughter Lyla, who was two years old, died in May last year due to diabetic ketoacidosis linked to undiagnosed type one diabetes.
John believes children who need smartphones to monitor their health should be exempt from the ban.
"It's critical that children have this vital lifesaving device on them because it tells you what levels you are at," he said.
"Some can even tell you when you're going to predict a hypo, which is when your blood sugars start to become really low."
He added: "Yes, if you want to go ahead with a ban on mobile phones, you go for it, but you need to make sure that the narrative is changed and clarity is provided around this potential so-called ban that's going to come into force."
John emphasised that continuous glucose monitoring systems depend on smartphone apps to provide real-time alerts that can prevent emergencies.
"Smartphones are not a distraction. They're a medical lifeline," he said.
John said the proposals currently lack clarity and could lead to dangerous outcomes.
"So the way the proposals are being spoken about at the moment, it suggests a blanket ban, and that kind of message is confusing and dangerous. Clarity is essential," he said.
In response, the Department for Education said schools would still have flexibility to ensure children with medical needs are accommodated.
"The guidance is clear that exceptions to a mobile phones policy may be required for children with special educational needs, disabilities, or medical conditions. This includes users of health tech or assistive technology.
"Where school leaders need to make additional exceptions or flexibilities to their policies based on a child’s individual needs, we trust them to do so," a spokesperson said.
They added that technology plays an important role in learning while the guidance aims to ensure personal devices do not cause disruptions.