'Allowing smart phones in class is a stupid idea - we should limit disruption'

26 July 2023 , 20:25

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Steve Jobs restricted the use of tech by his own children (Image: Getty Images)

Like most parents with school age kids, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been pestered for gadgets and gizmos by my children.

They’re particularly skilled at the art of the guilt trip and it’s not been easy to fend off puppy dog eyes and a trembling voice wailing “but all my friends have got one” whether it be an iPad/laptop/phone or the latest must have app.

But my response is always to go into a lecture about how Steve Jobs, the man behind the iPod and iPad, wouldn’t let his own children have them. When he was asked if his children loved the iPad the Apple founder told a journalist, “they haven’t used it”.

He would later go on to say that he didn’t allow iPads in the house. He, as well as fellow tech giant Bill Gates, limited the amount of time their children interacted with tech.

What did they know that we didn’t eh? I usually end my mum Ted Talk with a dramatic, “well, if it’s good enough for Steve Jobs’ kids…” At this point my boys’ eyes have glazed over or they’ve walked off in a sulk as they’ve heard my spiel too many times.

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Countless research has since warned us of the danger tech poses to children and now the United Nations has called for an outright global ban on smartphones in schools.

A report released yesterday by Unesco, the organisation’s agency for education, science and culture, concluded that the devices should be kept out of the classroom to reduce disruption in lessons, improve learning and children’s wellbeing.

It said excessive phone use was linked to reduced educational attainment, and negative effects on a child’s emotional stability.

Of course, children’s safety is a key aspect of why parents in the UK give their children smartphones, especially when they get to secondary school, but an uncool brick phone is just as effective although no self respecting teen would be seen carrying them.

Many secondary schools do have policies that restrict the use of phones, but most are fighting a losing battle. Having the policy set in stone would make it easier for schools to enforce and for parents to get behind.

France and Finland are leading the way with bans on phones in schools to limit disruption to learning. We’d do well to take a leaf out of their book.

Eva Simpson