Mobile phones do not need to be carried by young people who are under the legal supervision of adults, whether this happens to be in school, after-school clubs or youth groups.
Parents give their children mobiles to be used in emergency situations where there is a need to contact an adult. As long as a young person is protected from harm and in a safe environment such as a youth centre, they do not need to have a mobile phone with them.
As violence associated with mobile phones, such as "happy slapping" and "cyber bullying", is on the increase, particularly among the 13 to 18 age group, banning phones from places where these children congregate will not only reduce these occurrences, but will also restore the reputation of the majority of these young people who do not subscribe to the intimidating tactics used by some of their peers. As long as a young person belongs to a well-run group or club, they should be able to feel safe without relying on their phone to provide this security.
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