Mobile phones and early years settings

I am not the only person who feels that the use of mobile phones within early years settings should have tough consequences. Don’t get me wrong there are a lot of settings that do not allow mobile phones full stop and they come down hard on people who don’t follow their policy. Then on the other hand there are the settings that float by with mediocre policies and procedures surrounding mobile phone use. These are the settings that need things spelled out for them, and that is why I think the EYFS should have clear rules on mobile phones.

I see mobile phones on people in early years settings more times than I can count and therefore it becomes my job to look after children’s interests and report it. I have reported the use of mobile phones many times, but the question that always crops up is “But was the child at risk? Did you see that person using their mobile phone in an untoward way?” My answer is no, not at this moment in time BUT it could happen. Surely the risk that something could happen should be enough?

As you know, the new EYFS got released last week and I was once again shocked by how they haven’t included strict rules on phones, or should we say smartphones to be exact.

After all the children that have been abused by staff in nurseries ( I say nurseries because we hear of that more often than anywhere else) you would think that tougher rules and sanctions would be in place, not necessarily by the setting but I feel that it would be better to include this within the statutory document for early years professionals.. yes, the EYFS.

The case of Vanessa George alone is one too many. This should have been enough to invoke a change. One child is too many for this to happen to.

I’ve worked with children for over 10 years now and let’s face it, it isn’t for the money. It isn’t the best paid job to be in (that’s a blog for another day); I work with children because I am passionate about my work; I am amazed by these children and completely in awe at how they learn so much in such a short space of time.. it’s inspiring!

So when I talk about children, I am passionate. I want their basic human rights to be fulfilled – because that is what they are.. tiny human beings.

Smartphones in the early years serves no purpose, you don’t need your phone to do your job; therefore why do so many people still have their phone on their person whilst being around children?

Stricter rules and tougher consequences should be introduced, because then maybe people might think twice about keeping their phone in their pocket.. just maybe. But maybe means that there’s a chance, so surely the ‘chance‘ of stopping this happening should be enough for tougher rules to be introduced?

What do you think about mobile phones in early years settings?