Paul Waugh MP has welcomed new government moves to crack down on smartphones in schools and plans to ban social media for under 16s as scores of Rochdale residents demanded action to help parents
Paul Waugh, Labour and Co-operative MP for Rochdale, has welcomed major new government action to improve children’s relationship with mobile phones and social media, after hearing from scores of local parents and residents who have raised concerns about the impact of smartphones and online platforms on young people’s wellbeing.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has written to every school in England to say they should follow new government guidance and be phone-free for the entire school day alongside the launch of a national consultation on children’s use of social media, including proposals to explore a ban for under-16s.
Under the new measures, schools will be expected to be phone-free by default, with clearer guidance for headteachers and stronger backing from Ofsted. The government will also begin a nationwide conversation with parents and young people, alongside a formal consultation looking at issues such as the minimum age for social media, improved age verification, limiting addictive features like infinite scrolling and streaks, and whether the current digital age of consent is too low.
The government will also publish evidence-based screen time guidance for parents of children aged 5 to 16, to help families navigate the pressures of technology and support healthier habits at home.
Paul Waugh said:
“Over recent months I’ve had scores of parents, grandparents and residents across Rochdale and Littleborough contact me about the effect smartphones and social media are having on children’s mental health, behaviour and ability to concentrate. Many feel they are being left to deal with this on their own, up against powerful tech companies and platforms designed to keep children hooked.
“That’s why I strongly welcome this decisive action from the government. Making schools phone-free by default, backed up by Ofsted, sends a clear message that children’s learning, attention and wellbeing must come first.
“I also welcome the national consultation on social media and the clear willingness to look seriously at a ban for under-16s, alongside tougher age checks and action on addictive design features. Parents in Rochdale are not calling for tinkering at the edges. They want meaningful change, and this is a significant step in that direction.
“Technology can be a force for good, but only if it is shaped around children’s needs rather than commercial incentives. These proposals put children and families back at the centre, and I would urge local parents, schools and young people to take part in the consultation so that Rochdale’s voice is heard.”
Nearly all schools already have mobile phone policies, but government evidence shows that phones are still widely used in lessons without permission, particularly in secondary schools. Ministers say the new guidance and inspection regime will help schools enforce bans more consistently, supported by specialist Attendance and Behaviour Hub schools.
The consultation will also look at raising the digital age of consent, introducing phone curfews, strengthening parental controls, and restricting features that drive compulsive use. The government has said it will respond in the summer following nationwide engagement events and a formal call for evidence.