This week the Government pledged to crack down on the use of mobile phones in schools, introducing a blanket ban.  

It sounds like a great idea to many: no distractions of text messages in the classroom and no taking mugshots of each other in the corridor.  But phones are now a crucial part of society and, when utilised properly, are an excellent tool for learning and communication.

I therefore do not believe that a blanket ban is the solution. For many children, particularly those with special educational needs or mental health issues, a mobile phone can be a lifeline.

Since the age of seven, I have struggled with anxiety. It became particularly bad in year 10 of secondary school. The use of phones was not permitted during break or lunchtime and they were only used in lessons occasionally.

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Having that lifeline, however, kept me in school more often. Having a mobile phone meant I could text my mum if it all got a bit overwhelming. “Bear, you got this” she would text back. 

As someone who gets in their head all too often, I needed someone to pull me out of it.

Phones can also be used to accompany other forms of learning, such as using Kahoot - an interactive quiz app - to test material you learned previously, encouraging engagement in class.

I think the situation is more complicated than just banning them from school altogether. With supervised usage, they can help students rather than simply distract them.

Perhaps it’s even worth seeing why so many students prefer to scroll on their phone instead of paying attention. Is that an issue worth addressing more than just putting a ‘band-aid over a bullet hole’ as the saying goes?

There needs to be more discussions with teachers, students, and parents alike, before taking away what can be a very necessary resource for some children.