MP meets with Collective Action on the Use of Smartphones for the Children of Ashford

This week, Damian McBeath, the Principal of The John Wallis Academy in Ashford presented plans to Parliament around the idea of restricting children’s access to smartphones ahead of the Private Member’s Bill put forward by Josh McAlister (Protection of Children (Digital Safety and Data Protection) Bill), which is due for its second reading in March 2025.  

Sojan Joseph, the Member of Parliament for Ashford (Lab) met with Mr. McBeath and stated: “The meeting with Damian was great and plans such as these are very constructive towards Labour’s model for both health and education. I know what a detriment social media can have to the mental health of our young people so I will be supporting any of these measures which are put forward by the Government.” 

Many Ashford schools have already begun taking steps towards restricting access to and introducing more stringent rules around smartphones on school properties. Some have reported that it has improved the mental health of their students and reduced the negative side-effects of social media such as ‘Fear of Missing Out’ (FOMO) or exposition to online dangerous material. 

The group are calling for restrictions on smartphones based on the following reasons: 

1. Harmful Content 

1. Addiction 
2. Academic Distraction (children becoming less focused on their lessons) 
3. Grooming 
4. Cyberbullying 
5. Mental Illness 
6. Opportunity Cost (time, future, and chances lost because of the overuse of smartphones) 

Mr. Joseph has taken an active interest in furthering the Labour Government’s commitment to making the link between mental wellbeing and other factors which can be extended beyond the NHS and traditional health issues, such as education sector and the workplace.