A local MP is seeking views on a proposed ban on children's smartphone use in schools.

Dame Caroline Dinenage, MP for Gosport, is asking parents for their opinions following a Conservative amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

The amendment would require all schools in England to prohibit mobile phones and similar devices during the school day, except for sixth form colleges, which may choose to opt out.

The proposal, announced over the weekend by shadow education minister Neil O’Brien, is part of New Clause 48 of the bill.

It aims to address concerns about the impact of smartphones on students' academic performance and mental health.

Recent studies have linked poor mental health with excessive smartphone usage.

Dame Caroline Dinenage said: "As the scientific evidence on the impact of smartphones on our children’s mental health and educational attainment continues to stack up, it’s imperative that the voices of parents contribute to the debate.

"I am genuinely interested to hear what the experience of parents is with their children’s relationship to technology, especially smartphones. While a recent poll suggested that 60 per cent of people in Britain think smartphones should be banned in schools, I want to see whether that is reflected locally.

"This is an opportunity for parents across Gosport, Lee on the Solent, Stubbington and Hill Head to play a direct role in my work in Parliament by informing my views, so I would encourage everyone to share the survey around and take part themselves."

Last year, Professor Jonathan Haidt backed a report from Policy Exchange on this issue.

The report examined the potential benefits of smartphone bans in schools as a preventative measure.

It found that only 11 per cent of secondary schools currently have an "effective ban" on mobile phones in the classroom.

Dame Caroline is now asking parents in Gosport, Lee-on-the-Solent, Stubbington, and Hill Head to share their thoughts on the matter.

She is particularly interested in hearing whether parents believe smartphones and social media are affecting their children's academic performance negatively.