Neil O'Brien

Neil O'Brien

Conservative — Harborough, Oadby and Wigston

Speaking in the House of Commons on 10 March 2025

Debate

Reading for Pleasure

Contribution

I completely agree with the hon. Member for Hampstead and Highgate (Tulip Siddiq). What is displacing reading for pleasure among children is smartphones and social media, including in schools. The Department for Education’s own behaviour survey found that nearly half of pupils in years 10 and 11 report that in most or all lessons, mobile phones are being used when they should not be. The guidance is not working, so why are the Government continuing to block our proposals for a proper ban on smartphones in schools?

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