For most of us, our mobile phones go everywhere we do, but an MP is calling on the government to ban smartphones by law in schools in England.
Most schools in England already have a ban or restrictions on mobile phones after guidance was released by the government earlier this year in an attempt to "minimise disruption and improve behaviour in classrooms".
Now, Labour MP Josh MacAlister wants to turn the guidance into law by introducing the Safer Phones Bill.
Other proposals include raising the age that online companies can receive data consent from children without permission from their parents from 13 to 16, and giving the regulator Ofcom more powers to prevent children being exposed to apps that are 鈥渁ddictive by design鈥.
Before the bill could become law, it will first need to be debated by MPs. This will happen in the new year if there is enough parliamentary time.
What are the rules on mobile phones in schools?
Guidance, issued by the government on the 19th February, offered suggestions on how to 鈥渃rackdown鈥 and 鈥減rohibit鈥 mobile phone use in schools in England.
If your school doesn鈥檛 already have a mobile phone ban, here is what could be introduced:
鈥 A complete ban of mobile phones, requiring students to leave any devices at home.
鈥 Phones allowed into schools but must be handed in.
鈥 Phones allowed into schools but must be locked away securely throughout the day.
鈥 Schools may let you keep your phone, as long as it鈥檚 not used, seen or heard throughout the day.
There will be some exceptions, where pupils will be exempt from these new rules. The Department for Education said:
鈥淲e know that some children need their mobile phones for medical reasons, or because they have special educational needs and/or disabilities.鈥
There are currently no complete bans on mobile phones in schools in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where decisions on education are devolved from the UK government. Both the Scottish Government and the Northern Ireland Assembly have issued guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools.
Can teachers search your bag?
Simply, yes.
A reminder in the government's guidance highlights that headteachers, and staff they authorise, are allowed to search students鈥 possessions where they have reason to suspect that the pupil may have a banned item.
Why has the government introduced guidance for mobile phones in schools?
The government guidance aims to create a 鈥渃onsistent approach鈥 across schools, however, no laws have changed.
When introducing the guidance, the then Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said that they "would consider what more needed to be done if it [the guidance] did not work".
Should mobile phones be banned in schools?
Students, teachers and parents are divided on whether phones should be banned in schools.
Here are some of the reasons the government says phones have an impact in schools.
Phones can be a distraction. 29% of schools said mobile phones were being used in lessons without permission. A ban on phones, or stricter rules around their use would mean greater focus on work and education.
Online bullying is a problem for young people, with one in five having experienced it. Limiting screen time and access to social media during school time may help minimise cyber-bullying.
It would give young people a technology break, which can have a positive impact on wellbeing.
On the other hand, many think mobile phones should not be banned. But why?
It鈥檚 the 鈥渟ocial norm鈥 and young people should have the freedom to carry a device if they wish.
Mobile phones can be a useful tool for finding out information.
Mobile phones can be used for students to keep in contact with family and friends and in case of emergencies.
Not sure if the news you鈥檙e seeing on social media is true or false? Can you always tell if the things you see online are real or fake? Learn how to get the other side of the story with our quizzes, videos and explainers.
