If there is one thing that reliably gets parents talking at the school gate (or here on Mumsnet), it's phones.
I hear the same concerns again and again. Parents are worried – terrified even – of the impact technology is having on childhood. Children staying up far too late because they're online, or because of friendship fallouts over WhatsApp before breakfast. The daily battle of trying to persuade a child to put their phone down, when the apps they are using are designed to keep them scrolling.
Teachers tell me they see the impact in classrooms too, where tired pupils and growing anxiety points to a generation of children feeling permanently connected to a digital world that never switches off.
That's why we are clear that phones have no place in schools, and have strengthened our guidance to leave no doubt about that expectation. Headteachers know the difference it makes when pupils can focus on learning rather than notifications buzzing in their pockets. This government believes that every child deserves the chance to achieve and thrive. Our Schools white paper hardwires that vision into our education system, and getting the digital environment right is central to a good childhood.
We also hear the calls to go further. Some leaders have told me they want stronger backing so that when they say "no phones", it isn't a negotiation with pupils or parents.
The government has launched a major consultation on children's digital wellbeing. It's one of the most comprehensive exercises of its kind anywhere in the world, looking at how we keep children safe across social media, gaming platforms and the rapidly emerging world of AI.
As part of that consultation, we are asking whether the current guidance on mobile phones in schools should become law.
We know many parents will welcome tougher action. Others understandably want to know exactly how it would work in practice. Before we take the next step, we want to hear directly from you.
And this conversation goes far beyond schools.
The consultation asks whether there should be a minimum age for social media. Whether addictive features like infinite scroll and autoplay should be switched off for children. Whether overnight curfews could help protect teenagers' sleep. It also looks at stronger age verification and whether AI chatbots need tighter rules.
Technology companies have enormous influence over children's lives, and it is their responsibility to make their services safe by default.
At the same time, parents deserve clear, practical advice. For the first time, we will publish evidence-based guidance on screen time for children aged 5 to 16, setting out what healthy use looks like at different ages. In April we will also publish guidance for parents of under-fives, developed with the Children's Commissioner and leading health experts.
This isn't about demonising technology. When used in the right way, it can support learning, boost confidence and open up new opportunities for children to achieve and thrive.
But childhood is short. It shouldn't be dominated by notifications, comparison and late-night scrolling.
Schools should be places where children can concentrate, play sport, build friendships and develop confidence without the constant buzz of a device in their pocket.
Clear rules on phones are one part of that. But protecting childhood in the digital age will require action beyond the school gates too.
That's why we want parents, carers and young people to be part of this conversation. If we're going to reshape the digital world our children are growing up in, we need to get the balance right together.
You can respond to the government's consultation on growing up in the online world here.