Question
I welcome the Minister’s statement. On Friday, I visited Lancaster high school in my constituency; under the leadership of Colin Malone, it has seen its best-ever GCSE results. During my visit, I did not see or hear a mobile phone. It is an example of a mobile-phone ban ensuring that children’s educational outcomes are improved. Will the Minister join me in congratulating Colin Malone on his leadership? My question to the Minister is about changing technology. While we are talking about mobile phones, I am aware that technology is moving on, with AI glasses and smartwatches also in the mix. Does he have any thoughts on that?50% vibes
Answer
Yes, certainly. First, congratulations to the students and staff at Lancaster high school on their GCSE results. It is encouraging to hear that part of that success is the leadership of the school driving down the use of smartphones altogether. I share my hon. Friend’s concerns about some of the advances in technology, and I am determined and prepared to further clarify guidance, particularly in relation to smart glasses, so that it is absolutely clear—it is clear already—that they should not be anywhere near our schools.
Verdict: AMBER (65/100)
The first part of the question, asking for a yes or no on the request, was answered directly: the Minister said yes and credited the school's leadership for reducing smartphone use. The second part was only partly answered. The reply gave a clear view that smart glasses should not be near schools and committed to clarifying the guidance, but it did not mention smartwatches at all. A member of the public would have a clear answer on one point but would likely need to ask again about smartwatches.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will the Minister join in congratulating Colin Malone, the headteacher of Lancaster high school, on his leadership. | Addressed | Direct | The Minister answers the yes/no request with "Yes, certainly," then congratulates the school's students and staff and specifically credits the school's leadership for driving down smartphone use, which engages the headteacher-leadership point directly. |
| What are the Minister's thoughts on changing technology, such as AI glasses and smartwatches, in relation to the mobile phone restrictions in schools. | Partially Addressed | Direct | The reply gives a clear view on advances in technology and commits to further clarifying guidance on smart glasses, stating they should not be near schools, but it never mentions smartwatches, leaving part of the item unanswered. Statement 7 ("it is clear already") sits somewhat awkwardly against the commitment to clarify guidance, though it does not undermine the answer on smart glasses. |