Cornwall moves closer to banning smartphones in schools
Schools in Cornwall are moving closer to banning smartphones as more councils back a campaign to stop the use of smart devices during the school day.
The pressure group Smartphone Free Childhood says phones are causing distraction, depression and cyber-bullying, and has been asking councils across Cornwall to support a ban.
Newquay Set to Sign Smartphone-Free Agreement
Newquay is leading the way. Schools in the town are expected to sign a new smartphone-free agreement next week after a meeting organised by Newquay Town Council.
Mayor of Newquay Drew Creek said the agreement has been welcomed by all the schools and trusts involved.
He explained:
“Essentially what we've come up with is a smartphone-free Newquay covenant which all of the schools and trusts are happy to sign up to, which basically says no smart devices in school.”
He added that only basic “brick phones” would be allowed if necessary:
“If you need a phone, it needs to be a basic 'brick' phone, except for anyone who has any medical requirements such as diabetes.”
The covenant is expected to be finalised and made public next week.
Calls for a Countywide Ban
Cllr Creek also said he hopes the idea will spread across Cornwall:
- His ambition is to get Cornwall Council to adopt a similar covenant across the whole of the Duchy.
Councils in Truro and Penzance are already urging local schools to follow Newquay’s lead and consider similar agreements.
Next Steps
Truro councillors have agreed to begin meeting with head teachers to look at creating their own version of the covenant and will write to Cornwall Council to ask for a countywide approach.
If successful, Cornwall could become one of the first areas in the UK to introduce a widespread ban on smartphones in schools.