Mobile Phones in Schools

Connor Naismith Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Josh MacAlister]

I thank my hon. Friend for the question. I am familiar with Sarah Wynn-Williams’s book and the claims made in it, which are extremely serious. The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is concerned about the need for the public square, which we find now to be largely online, to reflect the British values we have in everyday life. She is personally passionate about that, and that approach is shaping her attitude towards the forthcoming social media ban.

[Connor Naismith (Crewe and Nantwich) (Lab)]

In Cheshire, we are leading the way on Esther Ghey’s phone-free education campaign, with 92% of state high schools in the county using lockable phone pouches this school year. That was made possible in no small part thanks to funding and leadership from our Labour police and crime commissioner, Dan Price. Will the Minister visit Cheshire to see the difference that that is making to safeguarding and educational outcomes in our local schools?

[Josh MacAlister]

I join my hon. Friend in recognising the heroic leadership and commitment of Esther Ghey following the shocking, appalling circumstances her family have faced in recent years. She has been able to turn that into such positive, hopeful campaigning, which is proving to be very effective. I saw Esther a couple of weeks ago, when she raised issues to do with this very guidance with me. It is a tribute to her.

I also recognise the leadership of Dan Price, whom I know. He has spoken to me about the work he has done with schools as police and crime commissioner for Cheshire. He caught on to the link between what children and young people are doing on smartphones and social media and incidents and concerns in the community. He has been ahead of the curve on that.