Even the new politician who raised the issue in his manifesto must be amazed how quickly the groundswell to act on the impact of smartphones on children has taken off.
The local parents who pulled together on this issue – initially because they had concerns but didn’t want their children to be bullied as the only kids without a smartphone, and their various apps, in the playground – must be surprised and delighted at the response.
New Education president Paul Montague said at election time that ‘honest conversations’ about the effects of smartphones and social media on young people were needed, and he supported a ‘community-led’ ban on smartphones for primary school children.
The next steps will be interesting. Some kind of community-led action is eminently achievable, but it will need buy-in from many sectors of the community. Progress is possible without legislation.
Parents and schools working together seems reasonable, but Education’s initial comments – without Deputy Montague’s involvement, it should be acknowledged – seemed rather defensive, and almost bullish about its own approach towards phones in the school day. Some parents seem to hold different views on how this is working.
No doubt all parties will need to work together. But momentum is such that some action seems inevitable, and even a reduction in peer pressure will be welcome.
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