Dads Launch Legal Challenge to Ban Smartphones in Schools

Two fathers are initiating a legal battle, seeking a judicial review of government guidance, in a determined effort to ban smartphones from school premises. Will Orr-Ewing of Oxford and Pete Montgomery from near Lancaster have formally notified Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson of their intent to take legal action, arguing that current policies are both unlawful and detrimental to children’s safety.

The core of their argument rests on the belief that the existing guidance, which empowers headteachers to decide on smartphone usage, is insufficient. They contend that a complete prohibition is the safest and most responsible approach for students. Their campaign, operating under the banner of Generation Alpha CIC, highlights alarming trends associated with smartphone use among children.

Mr. Orr-Ewing articulated the gravity of the situation, stating, “We know that when children use smartphones, they usually don’t do it in a safe way.” He detailed how these devices are frequently used to access harmful content, including “very violent or sexual” material, and are often employed for cyberbullying. He shared deeply concerning anecdotes, such as “boys being filmed naked in the PE changing rooms and then shared across the school,” and girls being “manipulated by predators on messaging platforms during lessons and in school toilets.” The prevalence of “graphic pornography” being shown to “tiny children” on school buses further underscores their urgent plea.

The fathers advocate for a return to simpler communication devices, suggesting that children should only possess “brick phones” for essential contact with parents. They view a complete ban on smartphones as a “no-brainer” for ensuring a safer learning environment. This legal challenge comes in the wake of the government’s latest guidance on keeping children safe in schools, which, while acknowledging issues like bullying, sexual harassment, and the sharing of indecent images, places the onus on schools to manage these situations.

Mr. Montgomery provided further evidence from Freedom of Information requests submitted to schools across England regarding safeguarding incidents linked to smartphones and social media. One school reported over 55 such incidents in the last academic year, with 17 being referred to the police. “A statutory ban would be a huge relief for headteachers and parents alike,” he asserted, emphasizing the widespread desire for a clearer, more definitive policy.

In response, the Department for Education reiterated that schools already possess the authority to ban phones and are supported by guidance to manage their use and prevent disruptions. They also highlighted the Online Safety Act as a measure to provide “better protections from harmful content.” The DfE has a 14-day window to formally respond to the letter, after which the claimants are at liberty to proceed with judicial review proceedings. This legal action signals a significant escalation in the debate over the role of mobile technology in education and the safeguarding of young people.