Following the tragic murder of her daughter, Brianna Ghey, Esther Ghey is campaigning for a phone ban in schools to protect children from online dangers.
In a heartfelt and urgent plea, Esther Ghey, the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, is calling on the government to impose a **statutory ban on mobile phones in schools**. This request comes in the wake of her daughter’s tragic death, emphasizing the crucial need for measures to safeguard students from the dangers that phone usage can bring during school hours.
What Happened?
Brianna Ghey, just 16 years old, was brutally murdered in February 2023, suffering 28 stab wounds in an attack that shook the community of Warrington. Following this horrific incident, her mother has been outspoken about how unrestricted phone access may have contributed to her daughter’s struggles.
Ms. Ghey believes that a complete ban on phones at school could have dramatically changed Brianna’s experience, reducing distractions and potential dangers.
“It would have really helped Brianna,” Ms. Ghey shared in an interview. “It would have helped her to focus on her school work.
She wouldn’t have been getting into so much trouble because all of the issues were around phone use.” This powerful sentiment reflects a growing concern among parents regarding the impact of mobile devices on their children’s well-being and educational success.
The Campaign for Change
Esther Ghey is now on a mission, actively campaigning for government funding to help schools implement **phone-locking pouches**. This strategy has reportedly been effective at her daughter’s former school, Birchwood Community High School. The pouches allow students to carry their devices but lock them away during school hours, aiming to minimize distractions and enhance focus on learning.
“The funding needs to be in place,” Ms. Ghey emphasized. “I’ve spoken to headteachers, and they’ve said sometimes it’s a choice between a new classroom assistant or the pouches, and headteachers shouldn’t have to make that choice.” This stark reality reveals the financial pressures schools are under, affecting their ability to put effective safety measures into action.
In an open letter directed to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Ms. Ghey has formally requested a **statutory ban** on phone usage during school hours, with exceptions only for medical or accessibility reasons. Her letter has gained traction, receiving support from prominent figures like actress **Kate Winslet** and actor **Stephen Graham**, further amplifying the call for immediate action.
The Impact of Phone Usage in Schools
Statistics paint a concerning picture: during Brianna’s three years at Birchwood, there were **120 safeguarding logs** and **116 behavior logs** linked to her phone use, which included risks such as child sexual exploitation and exposure to harmful online content. Ms. Ghey asserts that these issues significantly impacted her daughter’s mental health, underscoring the urgent need for schools to address the challenges posed by phone usage.
Despite existing policies, a recent survey by the **Children’s Commissioner** found that around **10% of secondary schools** still permit phone use during the school day. This inconsistency creates real risks for students, as unrestricted access to social media and harmful content can lead to serious consequences.
Since Birchwood Community High School introduced phone-locking pouches last September, reports indicate a noticeable drop in stress levels among students. Headteacher **Emma Mills** has noted that the initiative has been well received and has positively impacted the school environment.
As conversations about children’s mental health and safety continue to grow, Esther Ghey’s campaign underscores the critical link between technology use and student welfare. The push for a statutory phone ban isn’t just about limiting access; it’s about creating a safer, more focused educational atmosphere for every student.
