Question
In Cheshire, we are leading the way on Esther Ghey’s phone-free education campaign, with 92% of state high schools in the county using lockable phone pouches this school year. That was made possible in no small part thanks to funding and leadership from our Labour police and crime commissioner, Dan Price. Will the Minister visit Cheshire to see the difference that that is making to safeguarding and educational outcomes in our local schools?
Answer
I join my hon. Friend in recognising the heroic leadership and commitment of Esther Ghey following the shocking, appalling circumstances her family have faced in recent years. She has been able to turn that into such positive, hopeful campaigning, which is proving to be very effective. I saw Esther a couple of weeks ago, when she raised issues to do with this very guidance with me. It is a tribute to her. I also recognise the leadership of Dan Price, whom I know. He has spoken to me about the work he has done with schools as police and crime commissioner for Cheshire. He caught on to the link between what children and young people are doing on smartphones and social media and incidents and concerns in the community. He has been ahead of the curve on that.62% vibes
Verdict: RED (10/100)
The reply does not answer the question about whether the Minister will visit Cheshire to see how lockable pouches affect safeguarding and educational outcomes. It does not say whether a visit will happen, and it does not assess the pouches' effect on either safeguarding or outcomes. It instead mentions Dan Price's work with Cheshire schools and a general link to smartphone use, which is background rather than an answer. The person who asked would likely need to submit a follow-up.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will the Minister visit Cheshire to see the impact of lockable phone pouches in local schools on safeguarding and educational outcomes? | Not Addressed | Generic | The item asks whether the Minister will visit Cheshire to see the impact of lockable pouches on safeguarding and outcomes. The reply never says whether a visit will happen, and it does not assess pouch impact on safeguarding or educational outcomes; it only notes Dan Price's work with Cheshire schools and the general smartphone-community link, which is adjacent context rather than an answer. |