Watchdog backs call to ban pupils using their mobile phones during the school day
Ms Spielman will also signal her support for schools that take a tough stance on unruly pupils, saying it is “entirely appropriate” for youngsters who misbehave to face punishments such as community service, writing lines or detention.
Mr Hancock declared yesterday: “There are a number of schools across the country that simply don’t allow mobile phones.
“While it is up to individual schools to decide rather than the Government, I admire the many heads who take a firm approach and do not allow mobiles to be used during the school day.
“A high performing comprehensive school not far from here is ranked as Outstanding by Ofsted. And their policy on mobile phones says ‘We are convinced that mobile phones are a distraction and have serious concerns about the impact of their inappropriate use.
“We know their use is reducing our students’ ability to connect with one another socially on a day-to-day basis.’
“I encourage other schools to look at the evidence and follow their lead.”
Mr Hancock added: “It is certainly true that the internet has amplified the risks.
“For example, if a child is being bullied during the day, and has access to social media, they can’t leave the bullies at the school gate. I firmly believe that very young children don’t need to have access to social media at all. After all, they are children.
“Social media is not designed for under-13s. It is often against the terms and conditions for children to be using these platforms.”
A group of Tory MPs has also urged a ban on mobiles during the school day, saying there is evidence it can have “a beneficial effect on pupils’ ability to learn”.
Alderley Edge School for Girls in Cheshire last year banned all pupils from using their phones during the school day.
Girls in Years 7,8 and 9 were already barred from using their devices. Head Helen Jeys said: “All girls from Year 7 to 11 hand in their phones at the start of the day and collect them at the end. We want girls to be free from pressures that might distract or upset them.
“At lunchtime, girls do not huddle around their phones and communicate over the dining room table by text.
“Rather they make eye contact, they talk and they take part in activities which are far more important for building self-esteem and confidence.”
A Department for Education spokeswoman said the Government supported the right of head teachers to use their powers to ban mobile phones. Helen Jeys extended ban