Worcester News readers have been giving their thoughts after the government shared plans to ban mobile phones in schools in England.

The government's recently published guidelines, suggest headteachers permit an complete ban on mobiles in all English schools.

However, the decision ultimately falls to each individual school.

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Read more: Do you think mobile phones should be banned in schools?

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The news has sparked a flurry of public opinion on the matter.

Tom Bennet, an advisor for the department for education said: said that while phones are commonplace in society, the understanding of their impact on children's social lives and educational development is growing.

He added that these new guidelines provide further clarity on the suggested actions for all parties involved, including parents.

Reader opinions were pretty divided towards the proposed action on Facebook.

Hannah Quinn said: "They shouldn’t be allowed to use them in lessons, but I feel they should be allowed to use them at break and social times.

"Taking phones away from very anxious children is only going to cause MORE school avoidance for those of us just trying to get their child in the door."

Emma Clarke, suggested another solution, commenting: "Maybe start fining parents each time the kids are found to use social media underage for a start?"

This government guidelines were born out of the concern for student privacy and wellbeing, specifically regarding social media usage.

Additionally, recent data has revealed that 29 per cent of secondary schools students reported mobile phones being used when they were not supposed to be.

Other readers drew attention to the safety aspect mobile phones provide.

Daisy Farmer wrote: "After school hours I used my phone to communicate with friends and family, it was a form of safety."

Rebekah Delevante highlighted that phones provide a communication link between children and parents, writing: "When my son is older he’ll want to walk to school with his mates, but our agreement would be that he can as long as he texts us saying he’s got to school safe.

She suggested: "Can’t they turn them off when they get to school and keep them in their bags, or keep them locked up and they can have them back at the end of the day?"