Politics

One in four children spend more than four hours a day online – despite school phone bans


ONE in four children spends more than four hours a day online — even though most schools ban phones, a report reveals.

Their growing obsession has led the Children’s Commissioner for England to warn harmful content is slipping through the net at home.

Girl holding a smartphone.

2

One in four children spends more than four hours a day onlineCredit: Getty
Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England, speaking to young people.

2

Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de SouzaCredit: Alamy

Dame Rachel de Souza argued schools were just one part of the solution and parents should be better supported in setting appropriate boundaries for screen time.

The poll found a quarter of eight to 15-year-olds spent four hours on phones, tablets and consoles each day.

Another fifth spent three to four hours a day on the devices, it also revealed.

A second poll for Dame Rachel found 90 per cent of secondary schools and 99.8 per cent of primary schools already imposed phone restrictions.

Despite this, online safety is still a top worry for teachers.

Daniel Kebede, of the National Education Union, urged the Government to ban phones in schools.

He added that Britain should follow Australia — where social media will soon be banned for children aged under 16.

The commissioner called for the Online Safety Act to go further, saying: “It must hold technology companies to account.”

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.



READ SOURCE

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you accept our use of cookies.