Gavin Williamson backs mobile phone ban in schools and claims children have lacked ‘discipline’ during lockdown

Gavin Williamson warned that long periods in lockdown has impacted on children’s “discipline and order” as his education department prepares to announce a £10 million “behaviour hub” programme.

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, the Education Secretary said now that schools have returned it is imperative to ensure “out-of-control behaviour” did not destroy learning environments.

It comes as the Department for Education is due to publish details of its behaviour hubs programme which it says will be operating in time for the summer term.

Mr Williamson has made banning mobile phones in schools a key part of his plan, saying they not only distract from “exercise and good old-fashioned play” but also foment cyber bullying and the inappropriate use of social media.

“While technology has been invaluable keeping children learning during lockdowns and we support its use, it’s now time to put the screens away, especially mobile phones,” Mr Williamson wrote, stipulating he was not referring to the controlled use of laptops of tablets in class.

The Education Secretary said there is “nothing Dickensian” about a classroom which is well-ordered, adding that without “basic good manners” children will struggle to make their way in society.

The MP for South Staffordshire said progressivism, a dominant ideology in education during the 1960s and 70s, has meant that low-level disruption in classrooms has gone unchallenged.

He added: “Maintaining good discipline is an absolute must in any classroom and is one of our key priorities. Out-of-control behaviour will also destroy the wholesome and happy environment that every school should have, leading to bullying, and turning playgrounds from a place of joy to a jungle.

“That’s why I am totally behind schools and colleges taking firm action to create a disciplined and calm environment, and putting in place a strong behaviour culture where students are taught how to behave well and are clear about what is expected of them.”

Department officials have identified 22 “lead schools” with strong reputations for behaviour and discipline to assist and advise other schools struggling in that area.

The lead schools include Bedford Free School, Ashmole Academy in Barnet and Tor View School in Lancashire, reports the Telegraph.