Joe Robertson, Member of Parliament for Isle of Wight East, has hosted a roundtable discussion with students at Ryde Academy about safer phones, filmed by ITV.
A bill will be introduced to Parliament this week, which aims to protect children and teenagers from the potential harms of excessive phone and social media use.
The Safer Phones Bill attempts to deal with increasing dependency on social media, which some experts say is risking the mental health prospects of a whole generation.
Social media companies stand accused of deliberately targeting under 16s with addictive content.
The bill is a private member's bill, which means it is not necessarily supported by the Government.
It proposes measures such as restricting algorithms for users under 16, raising the age for data collection without parental consent to 16, and reviewing phone sales to minors.
Other measures which the Government is being asked to consider are banning the use of phones in school.
Ryde Academy has already introduced its own ban on phones during the school day by requiring students to put their phones in a sealed pouch at the school gates, which can only be opened by using a magnetic device at the end of the school day.
The MP’s discussion provided a platform for young people to share their views and opinions, having experienced a phone ban.
Joe Robertson MP said,
”It was really helpful to hear direct from students and young people who have experienced a ban on the use of phones.
"The response was generally positive with students telling me that not only did it improve concentration in class, but it also improved social interaction during break time and in the school canteen.
“One student told me it reduced her use of social media at home too as the six-hour break during the day helps break the cycle of dependency.
"When I asked for a show of hands, only one student was against the possibility of new laws banning the use of phones in school."
Head of School William Doyle added:
“At Ryde Academy we embrace technology and provide all students with a personal Chromebook.
"When we decided to remove phones from school, we were responding to student voice feedback and clear research that highlighted the pressures that smartphones place upon students in regard to excessive notifications and addiction to social media.
“'Yondr pouches' have meant students can have their phones travelling to school and on the way home and can now enjoy six hours a day away from those distractions. The impact has been truly remarkable.
“Students are reporting how much happier they are, they are more focused in lessons and are more readily socialising with friends at social times.”
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