Many children now have a mobile phone and they may or may not be allowed to use it in school. Often parents will feel safer knowing they have one though, as they can send a message to say they got to school safely or that they arrived at their friend’s house afterwards. Should children be allowed to take their mobile phones with them on school trips?

It may be a useful and practical addition for a pupil in some circumstances, as they can use their phone to document the trip and take photographs to help them remember it in the classroom. If a child has a particular health need, it may also put their parents’ minds at rest to know they can get in touch at any time.

Having a mobile phone abroad is a big responsibility and it’s not something that all children can be trusted with. It’s also worth remembering that teachers will have phones and will be able to call home should anything happen.