Teachers in Yorkshire are raising concerns about children’s ability to learn effectively due to excessive screen time, particularly on mobile phones.

Hannah Feerick, an assistant head at Wales High School in Rotherham, observed that some students appear fatigued or disengaged during school hours, attributing this to their extensive online activities. She noted instances of conflicts within peer groups, often exacerbated by online interactions. Data from No Phones At Home revealed a significant portion of children owning phones from a young age, with a substantial proportion engaging in social media for an average of 2.5 hours daily.

Primary school teachers in Leeds echoed these concerns, highlighting challenges in social interaction and impatience among children. Psychologist Charlotte Armitage emphasized the importance of setting boundaries on device use to maintain a healthy balance. While the government recently issued guidance to curb phone use in classrooms, some educators, like Pepe Di’lasio from Wales High School, believe the focus should be on regulating online platforms to mitigate exposure to harmful content.