Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2024
297. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Education if she is considering some financial support for schools that seek to implement a no-phones policy during the school day, in view of the fact that the implementation of such a policy in a school in Dublin Bay north cost an aggregate of €20,000 to obtain the technology to implement the policy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36337/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, I recently issued a letter, instructing schools to implement a ban on the use of mobile phones during the school day, both in primary and post-primary schools.
This policy approach is based on the growing concerns expressed about the impact of the use of mobile phones during the school day, including the potential for distraction during class time, the risk of accessing inappropriate content and cyberbullying, and the potential for decreased social interaction with peers.
It is recognised that many schools already have well-developed and managed policies in place in this area currently and this initiative will build on that foundation. I commend schools for the time and attention given to this in recent years. In some schools, there will be no material change, whereas for other schools this ban provides a supportive framework to enable them to implement specific and consistent policies.
This initiative also builds on the guidelines “Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free” announced last year, containing practical advice and suggestions to support parents and Parent Associations wishing to develop voluntary codes regarding smartphone use among primary school children and can be accessed online here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/ece25-keeping-childhood-smartphone-free/.
In implementing the ban on the use of personal mobile phones during the school day, schools are advised to consult with members of the school community including parents. This should include consideration as to the practicalities of enforcing the ban, including the specific mechanisms to do so,. however it should be noted that there are schools using a variety of approaches currently, not limited to the approach suggested. The Department cannot endorse particular solutions, and schools are best placed to determine how best to support the ban for their own circumstance and community.
The Digital Strategy for Schools 2027, which builds on the progress made under the previous Digital Strategy, is underpinned by an investment of some €200m included in the National Development Plan 2021-2030 providing continuity of funding following the €210m that issued to schools to support the previous strategy. ICT Grants of €100m have issued to schools under this commitment. This funding issued directly to schools as schools are best placed to identify the requirements of their own student cohort and to meet those requirements in the most appropriate way.
