St Clare's and the New Phone and Social Media Rules
How St Clare's are responding to new government restrictions on mobile phones in schools and social media for young people.
A new government restriction on social media use for under 18s has been put in place based on an 'overwhelming public demand, with 9 in 10 parents in favour of more harsh restrictions' (gov.uk).
While these opinions are representative of families in the UK, St Clare's has an international and culturally diverse student body, resulting in potentially differing attitudes towards social media. The government's rationale includes reducing excessive scrolling and supporting healthier childhood development by limiting access to platforms that can contribute to anxiety, social comparison, or addictive use patterns (gov.uk).
The intention is to reduce harm caused by social media to young people, however due to restrictions on social platforms, communication with friends and family from around the world may be limited. Whilst this may increase feelings of homesickness and difficulty settling, we aim to promote students' immersion in the experiences they have here, and deepen bonds with their roommates and friends. Messaging services like WhatsApp are not included in the government regulations meaning students needing to keep contact with home will still have access.
Students will now be asked to put their mobile phones into a special holder in each lesson and reduce their use of phones in public spaces such as the dining hall and library to meet the new government guidelines. If phones are required for tasks in class, they will still be able to use them.
Through this, we hope to encourage more focussed learning, more effectively monitor social media usage, and encourage more meaningful social interaction.
St Clare's social media channels will continue to share news, achievements, and student experiences, allowing parents and guardians to remain connected with college life.
In addition to this, the appointment of our new head of computer science and digital literacy coach, Nikki Cossey, will support the whole school community with the changing landscape of technology and digital literacy, helping students with using technology within school and guidance for using AI, meaning that students will still have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of how to use digital tools to their advantage in school and in the wider world.
By Ella Wilson