Could mobile phones be banned from schools to stop TikTok protests? Former education secretary Gavin Williamson says ‘getting rid’ of devices will tackle social media trend

• Former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson want phones banned from school
• It follows a Tiktok craze which has seen students protests broadcast online

Former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said mobile phones should be banned to stop riots being recorded on TikTok.

Schools across the country have been hit by protests spreading like wildfire on the popular social media platform.

Mr Williamson firm intimated his plan to block phones from the classroom during his time as Education Secretary, The Sun reports.

His plans were called off by his successors, who decided headteachers should determine whether phones were appropriate or not.

Mr Williamson said: ‘Getting rid of mobile phones in schools will help improve discipline and behaviour.

Former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said mobile phones should be banned to stop riots being recorded on TikTok

Mr Williamson said: ‘Getting rid of mobile phones in schools will help improve discipline and behaviour’

‘Whether it is tackling issues like TikTok riots or making sure children maintain their attention on their work in school, all the evidence suggests banning mobiles in schools is the way to go.’

Last week, it was reported teachers set off fire alarms in a bid to quell ‘TikTok riots’ organised by secondary school pupils protesting unisex toilets as the social media movement continues to rock Britain’s classrooms.

Oasis Academy Mayfield school in Southampton was at the centre of protests this week as around 300 students chanted ‘toilet rights’ amidst anger against ‘unfair’ new toilet rules.

Similar protests occurred at nearby Weston Secondary School, Hampshire, as pupils took to the playground to vocalise how ‘uncomfortable’ they feel having to use unisex loos and rules dictating when they are allowed to go.

A Department for Education spokesman said: ‘We are concerned at the reports of disruption and will be in touch with all schools and local authorities to ensure they are supported at this time.

‘We will always back headteachers to take the action required to maintain calm and supportive classroom environments as they are best placed to work with their teachers, parents, pupils and local communities when developing and implementing policies.

‘Our current guidance is clear headteachers should consider restricting or prohibiting mobile phones to reduce the risk of distraction, disruption, bullying and abuse, and that phones can be a detriment to learning.’

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