Could a ban on mobile phones in schools reduce cyberbullying?

Analysis: As more heads voice concerns about bullying online, the debate over smartphones in class shows no signs of stopping

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With secondary school pupils in England appearing to fall victim to cyberbullying more frequently than their peers across the world, according to a global survey of teachers, there is likely to be fierce debate over whether mobile phones should be banned in schools.

In France, pupils up to the age of 15 now have to leave their phones at home, or switch them off, after a law was passed prohibiting their use at school.

Now Canada’s most populous province, Ontario, is also set to ban pupils from using mobile phones in classrooms to help students to focus on their learning.