Smart phones have ‘no place in schools’
Paul Givan and SDLP MLA Cara Hunter share feeling that smart phones have no place in schools.
“The member highlights the challenges,” he said of Cara Hunter’s question on social media presenting an image of ‘unrealistic beauty’ in young girls and being detrimental to ‘self worth’.
“That’s why last summer I produced clear department guidance on this. Smart phones should have no place in primary schools, and in post primary should not be available between the hours of 9am-3pm. We are running a pilot scheme in nine schools. In St Ronan’s in Lurgan, 1,600 pupils, and the feedback is one of appreciation for the opportunity to use the magnetic pouches to keep mobile phones during the day .
“They have told me it is the single most transformative act they have used to address issues on behaviour, concentration and the wellbeing of young people. The benefits from reducing mobile phone use in schools will be transformative.”