‘Smartphone ban in schools is not the answer’

BANNING smartphones in schools is not the answer to the growing problem of protecting children from online risks, according to an Irish education technology company.

Education of children and parents is the key and banning phones is a “misguided strategy when it ignores the critical need for an effective education programme on the use of technology for children in Irish schools”, says the UCD-based start-up Zeeko.

Health

Zeeko works with parents, teachers and children to promote digital health and internet safety among primary and second-level pupils in Ireland.

It was commenting on the digital age of consent – the age at which it is legal for data controllers to hold data gathered from minors.

Dr Marina Everri, head of research at Zeeko, said any age agreed by the Government required education to begin from a very young age.