Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Debating Matters: ‘Smartphones should be banned in the classroom’
#DebatingMatters
#SmartphoneBan
#educationdebate
#BattleOfIdeas
Debating Matters is a sixth-form debating competition that has become renowned for its rigorous and intellectually challenging format – one that values substance over style and getting to grips with real-world issues. This is a one-off showcase debate for the Battle of Ideas festival between students whose challenge is to think through the thorny moral issues at the heart of the motion and the audience is sure to enjoy the high standard of debate.
The use of smartphones by children has become the subject of widespread debate – both in Parliament and within society more broadly. Their use has been linked to a range of poor educational outcomes and mental-health problems, leading many to call for an outright ban for those under 16 years old, particularly in school.
However, as many point out, the use of smartphones is a new phenomenon and one which should be studied and debated more widely. So, with that in mind, should smartphones be banned in the classroom?
Proposing the motion: The Burgate School
Debaters:
Lizzie Camfield – upper-sixth student studying A level Maths, Further Maths, Biology, and Philosophy and Ethics, hoping to study conservation at university.
Mollie Gennard – upper-sixth student currently studying History, Philosophy, and Ethics and Psychology, hoping to study Philosophy, Religion & Ethics at university.
Opposing the motion: Oakwood Park Grammar School
Debaters:
Ifan Bambury – lower-sixth student studying A-Level Politics, Religious Studies and English Literature, intending to study Politics at university. Ifan is starring in the Christmas pantomime at Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre.
Arthur Pavey – lower-sixth student studying A-level History, Politics and Religious Studies, planning to study Law at university. Arthur is an expert on the AV Referendum of 2011.
Judges
Murray Hancock - co-founder and convenor, The Brisbane Dialogues
Professor Ellie Lee - professor of family and parenting research, University of Kent, Canterbury; director, Centre for Parenting Culture Studies
Stan Swim - chief program officer, Bill of Rights Institute
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwriteis30 Thank You.
Debating Matters: ‘Smartphones should be banned in the classroom’
#DebatingMatters
#SmartphoneBan
#educationdebate
#BattleOfIdeas
Debating Matters is a sixth-form debating competition that has become renowned for its rigorous and intellectually challenging format – one that values substance over style and getting to grips with real-world issues. This is a one-off showcase debate for the Battle of Ideas festival between students whose challenge is to think through the thorny moral issues at the heart of the motion and the audience is sure to enjoy the high standard of debate.
The use of smartphones by children has become the subject of widespread debate – both in Parliament and within society more broadly. Their use has been linked to a range of poor educational outcomes and mental-health problems, leading many to call for an outright ban for those under 16 years old, particularly in school.
However, as many point out, the use of smartphones is a new phenomenon and one which should be studied and debated more widely. So, with that in mind, should smartphones be banned in the classroom?
Proposing the motion: The Burgate School
Debaters:
Lizzie Camfield – upper-sixth student studying A level Maths, Further Maths, Biology, and Philosophy and Ethics, hoping to study conservation at university.
Mollie Gennard – upper-sixth student currently studying History, Philosophy, and Ethics and Psychology, hoping to study Philosophy, Religion & Ethics at university.
Opposing the motion: Oakwood Park Grammar School
Debaters:
Ifan Bambury – lower-sixth student studying A-Level Politics, Religious Studies and English Literature, intending to study Politics at university. Ifan is starring in the Christmas pantomime at Maidstone Hazlitt Theatre.
Arthur Pavey – lower-sixth student studying A-level History, Politics and Religious Studies, planning to study Law at university. Arthur is an expert on the AV Referendum of 2011.
Judges
Murray Hancock - co-founder and convenor, The Brisbane Dialogues
Professor Ellie Lee - professor of family and parenting research, University of Kent, Canterbury; director, Centre for Parenting Culture Studies
Stan Swim - chief program officer, Bill of Rights Institute
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by visiting the charity's JustGiving page at justgiving.com/campaign/worldwriteis30 Thank You.
