The growing presence of screens in primary education has sparked renewed political tension, as the Conservative Party accuses the Labour government of promoting early screen dependency among children.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott criticized the Government’s decision to introduce screen-based assessments for children as young as four, claiming it normalizes technology use at a developmental stage when children should be shielded from excessive screen exposure.
Trott expressed concern in Parliament, saying: “There’s mounting evidence on the negative impact of screens on young minds. So why is the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, ignoring this and pressing forward with plans to assess four-year-olds using tablets and computers starting this September?”
She emphasized the wide support for a more cautious approach, noting that parents, health experts, and educators alike have voiced apprehension.
In response, Education Minister Stephen Morgan defended the Government’s stance. He pointed to existing guidelines on mobile phone usage in schools and said most institutions already enforce restrictions. “This government is committed to creating a focused learning environment. Phones have no place during the school day, and schools are empowered to take action where necessary,” he said.
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Despite this, several Conservative MPs called for a more robust, legally binding ban on smartphones in schools. They pointed to evidence suggesting links between mobile phone access and behavioral issues, including classroom disruptions and aggression.
Sarah Bool, Conservative MP for South Northamptonshire, highlighted research suggesting schools that restrict smartphone use perform better academically. “Students in those environments achieve higher GCSE scores and receive better Ofsted ratings. Yet the Government continues to issue only non-statutory guidance. Why not take definitive action?”
John Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, echoed those concerns, connecting classroom phone use with disciplinary challenges. “Phones are fuelling distractions like TikTok and Instagram when students should be focused on learning,” he argued.
The former Conservative government had issued guidelines encouraging headteachers to ban phones during school hours, but they stopped short of making it mandatory. Since losing power, the party has intensified its calls for Labour to implement a full ban.
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In March, the Conservatives attempted to modify Labour’s education reform proposals to enforce a nationwide prohibition on smartphones in schools. Government data indicates that approximately 97% of schools already have some form of mobile phone restriction.
However, the academic community remains divided. A recent University of Birmingham study, published in The Lancet, found no definitive connection between smartphone bans and academic performance or behavioral improvements.
Replying to the calls for stricter action, Morgan said: “The Conservatives promoted the same guidance when they were in power. So the real question is—did they get it wrong then, or are they misreading the evidence now?”
