Bury North MP launches push for smartphone-free schools

Friday, 6 June 2025 17:05

By David Murphy

James Frith unveils campaign aimed at tackling distraction and improving wellbeing in local classrooms

Labour MP James Frith has launched a new initiative calling for Bury North secondary schools to introduce tougher restrictions on mobile phone use during the school day.

The campaign, called ‘Smartphone-Free Schools Bury North’, is aimed at making classrooms healthier, calmer and more focused by encouraging what Frith calls ‘Effective Bans’, policies where phones are completely inaccessible to pupils throughout the school day.

Frith, who represents Bury North, said the initiative reflects growing concern among parents, teachers and mental health experts about the impact of smartphones on children’s behaviour, learning and wellbeing.

“Too many children are facing constant pressure, distraction and even harm because of smartphones in school,” he said. “This campaign is about protecting our children’s mental health, improving their ability to learn, and putting childhood first.”

Schools that have adopted full-day bans on smartphone use are reportedly twice as likely to receive an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating. Many also report improved focus, better behaviour and fewer incidents linked to online bullying or social media pressures.

The campaign will unfold over summer and into the new academic year, featuring community surveys, school visits, pupil workshops and a roundtable event in July with teachers, pupils and governors.

Frith has already written to all local secondary schools inviting them to take part, and the campaign survey is live now at: www.jamesfrithforburynorth.com/smartphone-free-schools-bury-north.

Findings will be shared with schools, local education leaders and national policymakers.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

ELR mourns passing of 93 year old volunteer ‘Godfather’ Bob Johnson

One of the East Lancashire Railway’s most devoted figures, Bob Johnson, has died peacefully aged 93, after dedicating over three decades to the heritage railway.
Festival-goers urged to plan ahead as Parklife prepares to welcome 110,000 music fans

Greater Manchester gears up for one of its busiest weekends of the year with travel advice issued for Parklife, Co-op Live and Soccer Aid
MP backs calls to fix legal loophole that resulted in fatal Whitworth crash

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh joins push for new laws after a pensioner with poor eyesight killed a woman in a crash
Residents believe that Labours promise for Middleton ‘township hub’ still missing as councillors praise crime drop and welfare success

Police and Councillors in Middleton say crime is falling and residents are getting more help with benefits and debt, but residents believe that a promised township hub still hasn’t been delivered, three years after Labour pledged it in their local election manifesto.
Man arrested after serious crash following police pursuit in Rochdale

A teenager has been arrested after a police chase through Rochdale ended in a crash that left one passenger fighting for their life.
Bury Pride returns this weekend with all day celebration in town centre

Bury town centre will be a sea of colour this weekend, Saturday 7th June as Bury Pride returns for its annual celebration of LGBTQI+ inclusion and visibility.
Police cordon off Drake Street after multi-vehicle crash in Rochdale town centre

A major emergency operation is underway in Rochdale this evening following a serious crash involving multiple vehicles on Drake Street.
Young Whitworth rugby talent aims for professional dream after international tour

A teenage rugby player from Whitworth is aiming to be scouted by a professional club after impressing during an overseas tour with his Saddleworth Rangers teammates.
Bog standard crime as Illegal vapes and tobacco found under toilet at town shop

A shop on Drake Street has been forced to close for three months after council officers found counterfeit cigarettes, illegal vapes and unsafe goods hidden inside, including under a toilet.
Girls smash boundaries as Woodbank Cricket Club launches first ever under-9s team

A Bury cricket club has launched its first ever girls only team, and it’s already winning matches and attracting fresh talent to the sport.
Major roof restoration under way at Hopwood Hall as heritage project gathers pace

Work to restore Middleton’s grade II listed Hopwood Hall has entered a significant new phase with the launch of a £466,000 roof repair scheme jointly funded by the council and Historic England.
Chancellor announces £2.5bn transport boost for Greater Manchester, with tram-trains for Rochdale

Rochdale is set to benefit from a revolutionary new transport investment announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to Mellor’s bus factory this morning, as part of a £15.6 billion national package.