Mobile phones in schools, Government guidance

The Government published its guidance for schools on mobile phones in February 2024. Schools will of course already have a policy on this, though the guidance may develop some consistency between schools as a result.

We should remind ourselves some two years ago Ms Katharine Birbalsingh, then Chair of the Social Mobility Commission stated in the Guardian article

Katharine Birbalsingh told the Association of School and College Leaders annual conference: “If we genuinely want things to be fairer, and we want our disadvantaged children to be socially mobile, the best thing I can do for them is getting them not to have a smartphone.”

Katharine Birbalsingh tells school leaders’ conference ‘all the problems start on smartphones’ 2022

So which phone to buy? The Guardian, Mumsnet, Uswitch and PC mag have advice (LINK). Most mobile phone use of course takes place out of school, making it a parenting matter and of significance for separated parents. Some separated couples, able to reach an agreed approach by negotiation, are lucky. Without a family agreement, different rules about the use of the mobile phones in each parent’s homes can become an unnecessary source of friction between parents and parents and child. Premier Education have issued some excellent guidance for parents.

More News

Eight in ten paying parents say CMS has harmed their mental wellbeing

Every Father’s Day Was a Question Mark

Law change to spare hundreds of British families per annum the trauma of child abduction

Make May Matter – join in our month of fundraising!

Repealing the Presumption of Parental Involvement: Reform Without Opposition?

Boys need Dads, not more demonisation

What Our Service Users Say

” What an amazing organisation, offering help, support and advice. A really informative and pioneering charity. Thank you! ”

DadNovember 2023

“ Excellent charity, and volunteers that gives hope and support with practical information, not only to fathers but grandparents / extended family too. A lifeline in devastating situations where ultimately the children are the focus. If contact with your child or grandchild is broken, this is the organization for all relevant information, support and understanding. ”

DadOctober 2023

” I don’t know how I would have coped without the Shared Parenting knowledge and empowerment from the peer support of Both Parents Matter.”

MumAugust 2023

” Both Parents Matter taught me about the realities of the UK Family Court system at a time when I was very vulnerable and in need of guidance. Their ‘Surviving Separation’ course is excellent. ”

DadSeptember 2023

” The only charity to support any parent or grandparent to regain contact with their child or children, I regularly attend the Manchester group once a month to provide support. ”

Dad September 2023

” Without this group I would have been lost. I am the grandmother of a son who had his children taken away by the mother and false allegations submitted to ensure no contact. It has been heart breaking but reading the stories, being part of a community and having access to meetings gives information, advice and the hope and knowledge that it can change. I will keep supporting my son and grandchildren so they are together in the future. ”

GrandmotherAugust 2023

” An inclusive organisation that supports mothers, fathers, and ultimately children. I have personally found their support to be invaluable and truly believe it has saved my life and helped me become a stronger, resilient, and positive human being, father, and husband. They have educated and coached with my own personal development, positive co-parenting, positive parenting, and Family Court and the legal/court process. In that order. The peer-to-peer support is unmatched…I’ve never experienced a more active and supportive group of individuals brought together by a single goal – Happy Families! ”