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Schools in Jersey are starting to ban their students from using phones during school hours, but is there still a place for mobiles inside Guernsey's future two colleges?
Education say there probably is: "There is a clear distinction between two different uses of mobile phones by pupils. The first is social use and the second is as a tool to support learning."
Currently in Guernsey though, the school's policies vary from site to site, but as the new comprehensive one-school model is being developed, the Committee is working on a clearer, more uniformed approach to the matter.
This policy should address both parent's concerns with the use of mobile technology, and also support pupils in using devices to benefit their education.
An ESC spokesperson explained they wanted to strike a balance between keeping schools as safe as possible, while also supporting pupils and encouraging them to use mobile phones responsibility.
"The Education Office recognises the concerns many parents have over the use of mobile technology and are looking to balance these concerns with the educational benefits mobile devices bring and the need to educate pupils on their safe and responsible use. Safeguarding pupils from online harm is, and will remain, a priority in every aspect of any technology provision and there is an active Safety Online group from education and industry that constantly reviews and updates its policies based on the threats this technology may bring.
"[ESC] continues to engage with stakeholders to develop policies which include clear guidance on the use of mobile phones within schools and appropriate opportunities to learn about the benefits and risks of social media platforms and apps."
In Jersey the ban is for Keystage three and four students, but does not affect sixth formers. A SoJ Education spokesperson explained the decision: "After half term, Victoria College students in Years 7 to 11 will not be able to use their mobile phones during the school day. The move follows Haute Vallée School’s recent decision to ban mobile phones after compelling evidence found that mobile phones in school were having a negative effect upon learning and wellbeing.
"We hope that by having a phone-free school in Key Stages 3 and 4, this will liberate our younger students from mobile phone use for seven hours a day, focus their minds on learning, and encourage them to be more sociable. We also want to enable our students to take advantage of the additional opportunities available through our co-curricular programme that takes place over the lunch hour."
Currently in Guernsey, schools have to follow Education's Online Safety Policy. This guides schools on appropriate mobile phone use, but also ensures the usage is "responsible".
Pictured top: A file image of a mobile phone inset over the two sites for the future island College.
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