Mobile phones in schools can be an aid to learning | Letter

Dr Robert Harrison says that instead of banning devices, we should be teaching students how to navigate online spaces and disinformation

It is incredibly disappointing to read that so many schools in England have implemented an outright ban on phone use (More than 90% of schools in England ban mobile phone use, survey shows, 10 April). While student engagement and the addiction to phones and social media certainly need to be addressed, schools are more likely to support students' development if they teach them how to use technology in ways that are healthy, purposeful and life-enhancing. A balanced, nuanced approach to phone use can still promote social interaction for children of all ages and encourage learning beyond theclassroom.

All students should be equipped to access quality information and transfer knowledge quicker in their pursuit of independent learning. Ifphones or tablets can help achieve that goal, maybe we should not be so quick to dismiss them inschools.