Parents to be consulted on smartphone use in schools

PARENTS and students are to be consulted about the use of smartphones and tablet devices in schools, the Minister for Education, Richard Bruton, has announced.

The minister said he would be publishing a circular 'requiring schools to engage with parents and students immediately'.

The use of smartphones in schools is being included as an item requiring consultation under the Education (Parent and Student Charter) Bill 2016 – a new law which will require every school to consult with parents and students on key issues and publish and operate a Parent and Student Charter in line with national statutory guidelines.

Schools will be asked to gather the views of parents and students on questions including:

- the appropriate use, if any, of tablet devices and smart phones in school

- What restrictions might be placed on recording videos and taking photos

- Whether there should be age-group restrictions on smartphone use

- Whether smartphones can be used during breaks in class or on school grounds after school

Commenting ahead of the TUI conference, Minister Bruton said the use of smartphones and tablet devices by young people is an area of 'increasing' concern.

“New technologies are fundamentally transforming the world we live in. These changes offer fantastic opportunities for our young people but also pose potential risks, which we as a government must respond to.

“My department supports schools in responding to these challenges in a number of ways through the provison of advice, training and other supports on the development of policies including acceptable usage policies.

“Today’s announcement, that schools will consult with parents on the use of smart phones in their schools will ensure that parents, students and schools have a shared understanding of the smart phone use policy their school has in place.”