Richard Hogan: This is why I think smartphone pouches could be €9 million well spent

"Any attempt to get smartphones out of schools should be welcome. They cause significant problems. They rob childhood. They disrupt learning, and impact mental health. There is a growing body of evidence on the damage these phones are doing to our children."

Richard Hogan. Photograph Moya Nolan

The Government’s decision to invest €9m in Yondr pouches that lock smartphones has sparked controversy since the budget was announced last week.

It’s hard to know if the outrage from the opposition is genuine or simply politicking. The upcoming election seems to suggest the latter.