Political jabs are aimed at UK PM Rishi Sunak’s video over the ban on cell phones in schools

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s effort to push for a ban on cell phones in classrooms in his nation backfired after his video went viral on social media and provoked criticism from opposing politicians. In a 50-second video that was uploaded on X, Sunak showed how cell phones may be disruptive in the classroom by imitating being interrupted by his phone ringing nonstop. Sunak was heard stating, “Nearly one-third of secondary school pupils said their lessons were disrupted by phones,” in a video that was uploaded on the social networking site X.

“We are aware that they lead to bullying in schools and are a distraction in the classroom. Since many schools have already outlawed them, pupils now attend safer and better learning environments. We are now releasing updated guidelines to provide other institutions with the necessary assistance to follow suit. We’re ensuring that our kids get the education they need,” he said.

The video did not get the expected response, in spite of expectations. Social media users called Sunak’s acting in the video “cringeworthy” and likened it to that of a “GCSE drama” student.

The Labour Party published a spoof video to capitalize on the situation. Sunak was seen in the film looking at his phone, which was showing humorous alerts about immigration, the NHS waiting queues, and the UK recession.

New standards for schools have been released by the UK government, with the goal of “enhancing behavior” and “minimizing disruption.” The education secretary, Gillian Keegan, underlined how critical it is to establish “consistency” and reestablish the “social norm” around phone use in classrooms.

As long as the phones are not being used or heard, the rules give schools latitude in how they carry out the prohibition. Some of the alternatives include leaving phones at home, turning them in when you get there, or putting them in locked lockers.