Technology is being ‘weaponised for entertainment’ and young people are addicted to mobile phones which are “lethal weapons”, members at the Annual Conference of NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union heard today.

In his final address to members, NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach said too many young people were addicted to their mobile phones which were often used as tools to “interrupt lessons and bully others”

He called for better support for parents, robust action against social media companies and for the Government to step up their response.

Dr Roach said: “Teachers tell us of young people who are addicted. Addicted to technology used to denigrate and abuse others. Addicted to technologies used to radicalise – to disrupt and to incite others.

“Technology weaponised for entertainment. Conference – you tell us that mobile phones are lethal weapons.”

In a wide ranging speech, Dr Roach praised the profession’s response to the riots in many towns and cities last summer who had “picked up the pieces” after many young people had became involved, influenced by the “spread of hatred, lies and disinformation by extremists on social media.”

He said following the election of the Labour Government change was beginning to be delivered but there had been controversies over over Winter Fuel Payments, the denial of WASPI women, and cuts to Personal Independence Payments and support for disabled people.

And he called on Labour to remove the two child benefit cap which was a “nasty, spiteful, vindictive and discriminatory policy” introduced by the previous Conservative Government.

He said: “Poverty is a political choice. It damages lives. It destroys hope. It foments discontent. We call on the government to make the right choice. Remove the two-child benefit cap, turn the page, deliver the change the country voted for and lift more children and young people out of a life of poverty.”

In a deeply personal passage, Dr Roach told the gathering in Liverpool of his experiences of racism growing up: “I grew up in the 1970s and faced racism in school every single day. The second son of Jamaican parents invited here who came here to face harsh winters and an even harsher environment of everyday racism, prejudice, exclusion, and discrimination.

“But, I grew up taught by my parents that whatever life throws at you – never give up hope. Never give in and never let the actions of others define you. Always try to make a difference.”

Turning to teachers pay and conditions Dr Roach said teachers wanted to see a New Deal for Teachers delivered: “A New Deal to end excessive workload. A New Deal to limit teachers’ working hours. A New Deal to not merely safeguard, but to improve the health, safety and wellbeing of teachers and headteachers.”

He called for a real-terms pay award that was fully funded, this was how Ministers could “provide the hope the profession is looking for”.

He added: “We know Ministers have already been handed the pay review report as we meet here this weekend. We hope the pay review body will have been even more ambitious for teachers than Government has so far proposed. It will now be for Ministers to say what they will do about the recommendations in the pay review body’s report.

“But, any suggestion that teachers can be offered a real terms pay cut, or that the pay award will not be fully funded, or that any school or college will have to make further cuts to provision for pupils in order to pay teachers? The Government should expect that will be met with the response from our members it deserves.”

Dr Roach, the Union’s first Black General Secretary in its 100-year history, listed a long list of NASUWT achievements and victories before concluding: “General Secretaries? We come and we go. But, never ever forget that it is you, our members, who are the lifeblood of this union.

“You, Conference, are the beating heart. Never let your fire be diminished by anyone or anything, or by the passage of time. Keep the flame alive with hope, courage and the passion that sets this union apart. Let that flame burn brightly today, tomorrow and for decades to come.

“And, whatever the future holds, wherever our paths take us next, I know that with your collective endeavour, camaraderie and utter professionalism, you will forever triumph in the battles that lie ahead. So, from the bottom on my heart, thank you, and solidarity to you all!”