The Taliban's ban on smartphones, initially targeting government employees, is raising fears of broader restrictions. This move threatens vital support systems for Afghans, impacting healthcare, education, and the ability to document abuse or seek help, as phones are crucial for remote consultations, coordination, and giving voice to the marginalized.
A new law in England makes schools legally responsible for banning smartphones throughout the school day, building on existing guidance. Policies vary, with some schools using lockers or pouches, while unions call for more funding to support these measures.
A letter bearing the Supreme Court's emblem, announcing a ban on smartphones for all government employees effective June 17, circulated on social media. The Supreme Court has not commented, and government departments continue to use WhatsApp.
A new study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that school smartphone bans have "consistently close to zero" effect on test scores. While initial disruptions were noted, long-term student well-being and disciplinary actions improved.
A Hong Kong secondary school facing student backlash over newly tightened mobile phone rules has said it will seek further feedback from stakeholders and review the policy’s scope and implementation. A source also told the South China Morning Post on Wednesday that Kwun Tong Maryknoll College had planned to extend the policy to all students after launching a pilot scheme for Form Three and Four students. In a letter to parents on Tuesday, principal Caroline Sin Nga-lam said the school had noted...
A study found strict mobile phone bans in US schools had little to no impact on student learning, attendance, or online bullying, despite reducing phone usage. Researchers noted mixed findings, with modest positive effects on maths scores for older students but negative effects for younger ones.
Hong Kong education authorities have contacted a school after its newly tightened rules and penalties on mobile phone use triggered an outcry among students. Under the new measures, due to take effect in the coming weeks, Form Three and Four students at the boys’ school Kwun Tong Maryknoll College will be banned from using mobile phones on campus, with devices stored in lockers and accessible only during designated time slots. The rules also stipulate that no other items may be kept in the...
Headteachers and campaigners are calling for clearer guidance on implementing a proposed statutory ban on smartphones in schools. While the government moves to make 'mobile-free' environments a legal duty, concerns remain regarding funding, logistics, and enforcement.
The UK government will table an amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill to make existing mobile phone guidance statutory in English schools. The education minister acknowledged the move as a "pragmatic measure" to pass what is described as the biggest child protection legislation in decades. Despite previously arguing most schools already had bans, ministers capitulated after opposition from peers. The bill also includes a compulsory register for children not in school, crackdown on social care profiteering, and a unique child welfare identifier.
The UK government is set to make mobile phone bans in English schools a legal requirement through an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The House of Lords voted 107 majority in favour of the ban during the school day, with exceptions for sixth-formers, medical devices and boarding schools. The NASUWT and NAHT teacher unions support the move, which heads to the House of Commons for a vote on Wednesday.
