Government Schools to Ban Phone Use Starting September
- markdarrenwilkinso
- Jun 20
- 1 min read
Students in Jersey’s government schools and colleges will be restricted from using mobile phones during the school day starting this September.
The new policy, outlined by Education Minister Deputy Rob Ward in a letter to parents due on 23 June, urges families to avoid sending children to school with smartphones. He also recommends parents monitor device usage closely.
Deputy Ward has steered clear of calling it a "ban," but says students who evade the rules will face consequences under school behaviour policies. Serious online safety breaches may lead to police involvement.
The move comes amid growing concern about online harms. A scrutiny panel led by Deputy Catherine Curtis is reviewing whether Jersey's protections align with international child safety laws. She warns, “There is nothing specific in place to protect children from online harms.”
A recent survey revealed 37% of Jersey students have messaged strangers online, and a third of 16–17-year-olds admitted to altering app privacy settings to gain followers.
