Sheffield Council taskforce discusses school mobile pohone ban and how to help parents
Communication with parents and information packages are set to be prioritised
A council taskforce investigating children’s use of smartphones has advised focusing on providing information about the use of digital technology in schools rather than “mandating” bans for families.
The Smartphone Free Task and Finish Group was established by Sheffield City Council in March this year to investigate how the local authority should work with schools to manage young people’s smartphone use.
Since its launch, the Government announced that all schools should be “mobile phone-free environments by default” from the new academic year in September.
It comes as national conversations around blanket social media and smartphone bans have continued to gain traction, with parents’ groups calling on the Government to take a more active approach in restricting access to digital technologies.
Under Keir Starmer’s premiership, the Government announced plans to ban children under 16 from select social media sites by spring 2027.
However, documents released ahead of a meeting to discuss the progress of the council’s smartphone group - which is set to be held on Tuesday, September 1 - have revealed the council plans to focus on “wider support for families” after national bans.
A document published ahead of the upcoming education, children and families policy committee meetings added: “The proposed approach is that Sheffield City Council continues to play a supportive and enabling role.
“The report does not propose that the council mandates school policies or parental choices.
“Instead, it proposes a practical package of activity that helps families, schools and partners make informed and consistent decisions.”
The report suggests that a singular policy to cover all of Sheffield’s schools would not provide the “flexibility” needed to accommodate all students’ needs.
Current proposals instead suggest focusing on communication with parents and carers about how young people maintain “healthy digital childhoods”.
“The proposal does not introduce mandatory requirements, restrictions or service changes,” council documents add.
“Instead, it focuses on providing information, guidance, communications and partnership support to help families, schools and settings make informed choices.
“The assessment identified that some groups may experience smartphone use differently and could be affected disproportionately if a one-size-fits-all approach were adopted.
“These include children and young people with SEND, children with health needs, young carers and families experiencing financial hardship. Smartphones may play an important role in communication, accessibility, learning, safety, health management and access to services for some individuals and families.”
Councillors are expected to approve plans that will allow the taskforce to finalise designs and distribution of council communications on smartphone usage.