Sheffield parents and carers call for smartphone ban in city schools

A petition by Sheffield parents and carers is calling for smartphones to be banned in city schools.

The call has been made by a campaign called Smartphone Free Childhood. The petition on the website change.org has 352 signatures.

It wants Sheffield City Council to implement a ban. However, many city schools are run by academy trusts.

The petition states: “We understand that the council cannot mandate parental choices, or school policies, but it can play a pivotal role in raising awareness and providing evidence-based guidance.”

Some, such as Forge Valley School, have brought in a strict ban on all phones, smart watches and headphones. Others, including Sheffield Girls School, Dobcroft Junior and Firth Park Academy, insist that phones are turned off or put into lockable pouches during the school day.

The government in February 2024 strongly encouraged all schools in England to ban phones during the school day. This is to to reduce disruption, bullying and to cut screen time.

The campaign says that a ‘Parent Pact’ backing a smartphone ban in school has been signed by carers of 2,283 childen in South Yorkshire, covering 191 schools.

The petition refers to “our collective concern regarding the increasing prevalence of smartphone usage among pre-teens and young teenagers in our community.”

It continues: “Recent evidence highlights significant safeguarding issues and developmental concerns associated with early smartphone ownership.

“We respectfully request the support of the council in addressing this matter by recommending new school and parent guidelines that advocate for delaying smartphone usage among children, both during and outside school hours, and encourage schools to adopt ‘basic’ phone only policies.

“We also request support ensuring a smartphone isn’t necessary to get the best student fares on buses.”

The petition says that extensive research shows that early smartphone usage can negatively impact children’s mental health, academic performance and social interactions.

It adds: “Studies indicate that excessive screen time is linked to increased rates of anxiety, depression and disrupted sleep among young people.

“Additionally, smartphones often provide unfiltered access to social media platforms, which can expose children to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators and negative influences that may promote unhealthy attitudes and behaviours, including sexism, racism and other forms of discrimination.”