Mobile phones banned inside classrooms across England, Rishi Sunak’s video mocked

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s attempt to promote a ban on mobile phones in schools has backfired spectacularly, with his video widely ridiculed on social media and quipped by political rivals. In the 50-second clip posted on X, Sunak mimicked being constantly interrupted by his phone ringing, showing how mobile phones can be a distraction in classes. Sunak said in the clip that almost a third of secondary school pupils said their studies were disrupted by their phones. We know that they create distractions in the classroom and lead to bullying in schools. Many schools have already banned them, thereby creating a safer and better learning environment for their students.

We are now publishing new guidance to give other schools the support they need to do the same. We are ensuring that our children get the education they deserve. However, the video did not receive the expected response. Social media users called the clip ‘criminal’ and compared Sunak’s acting skills to a “GCSE drama”. The opposition Labor Party took the opportunity to release a parody video showing Sunak checking his phone, which is flashing fake information about Britain’s recession, NHS waiting lists and immigration challenges.

The UK government said the new guidance for schools aimed to minimize disruption and improve behaviour. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said there was an urgent need to reset consistency and social norms against phones in schools. The guidance offers schools flexibility in enforcing the ban, ranging from leaving phones at home, handing them in upon arrival, or placing them in inaccessible lockers provided they are not to be used or heard.

We know how distracting mobile phones are in the classroom.

Today we help schools put an end to this. pic.twitter.com/ulV23CIbNe

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 19, 2024