📱📵 Get ready for some big changes in schools across Blaenau Gwent! Mobile phones and smartwatches will soon face serious restrictions during school hours as part of a new effort to boost student wellbeing and behaviour. 🎒🕰
The local council is gearing up to send guidelines to schools and parents next month, clarifying the approach to these digital devices. The term “ban” caused some debate, so they’ve softened the language to “restrictions” instead. 🤔📝
Julie Sambrook, the school inclusion manager, shared that exceptions will be made for kids who rely on phones for medical reasons, like monitoring diabetes, or those with specific caring responsibilities. Head teachers will decide on these exceptions. 🩺📱
Councillors and school staff have expressed strong support, seeing these measures as a response to rising concerns about mobiles disrupting learning and social interactions. Labour Councillor Haydn Trollope and Cllr Derrick Bevan both emphasised the need for everyone in the school, including teachers, to set a good example by limiting their phone use. 📚🔕
Independent Councillor Wayne Hodgins mentioned the importance of clear communication to parents and guardians. They’re tweaking the draft letter to ensure no misunderstandings by avoiding the word “ban”. 🔄✉️
So, parents in Blaenau Gwent, keep an eye out for this update coming your way. Let’s make our schools a dynamic, phone-free zone and enhance the focus on learning and socialising! 📚👫✨