Will a social media ban really make schools safer? Or is it just the beginning of a whole new set of challenges?

With social media restrictions for young people moving closer to reality, schools could soon face some difficult questions. If mobile phones are already banned in many schools, will anything really change? Or will safeguarding, teaching and student wellbeing become even more complicated?

In this episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave explore the practical implications a social media ban could have on schools, teachers and students.

💬 We discuss:
Will safeguarding responsibilities increase?
Could students become less likely to report online abuse?
How should schools prepare pupils for social media if they're not allowed to use it?
What happens when students suddenly gain access at 16?
Could educational content on platforms like YouTube be caught up in the ban?
What support will schools need from government?

As experienced Computer Science teachers, we look beyond the headlines to explore the real-world impact on classrooms and school leaders.

What do you think? Will a social media ban make schools safer, or could it create even bigger challenges? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

👉 Explore hundreds of Computer Science teaching resources at https://craigndave.org

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At the chalk face: Why do pupils stop enjoying computing?

Are students losing interest in computer science teaching?
We examine the root causes of disengagement in the computing classroom.

Craig and Dave, former computer science teachers, explore the reality of student engagement in computing. Many educators assume students simply stop enjoying the subject, but we question whether the issue stems from a lack of initial engagement when they first start learning.

We break down the common pitfalls in computing education that might be causing students to switch off. By analysing the teaching computer science approach, we offer a perspective on how to keep the subject relevant and exciting from day one.

Whether you are a new teacher or a veteran, understanding these dynamics is crucial for a healthy cs classroom strategy.

We highlight how to refine your computing curriculum to maintain curiosity and look at specific strategies to ensure students remain invested in their learning path rather than burning out early.


If you teach computer science, work in education, or just care about the future of tech skills, this one is a must-watch.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations from At the Chalk Face.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online

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Will AI replace coding in schools? Or is programming more important than ever?

In this episode of At the Chalkface, Craig and Dave dive headfirst into one of the biggest debates in computer science education right now: with AI and “vibe coding” exploding in popularity, do we still need to teach students how to code?

From the latest curriculum and assessment review to the growing influence of generative AI tools, it’s easy to see why some are questioning the future of programming in the classroom. If AI can generate working code in seconds, why are students still wrestling with loops, conditions and syntax errors?

Craig and Dave unpack why that thinking misses the point entirely.

This conversation goes far beyond writing code. It’s about what students actually learn through programming: resilience, problem solving, creativity, and the ability to debug messy, unpredictable outcomes. Whether it’s tackling a stubborn bug or building a solution from scratch, coding remains one of the most powerful ways to develop computational thinking skills that AI simply can’t replace.

They also explore the risks of over-relying on AI in education and industry, including the loss of junior developer pathways and the deeper issue of accountability when AI-generated systems fail.

Plus, Dave introduces a bold idea for the future of assessment: Code AI – a new framework for rethinking NEA that embraces AI rather than fighting it.

If you teach computer science, work in education, or just care about the future of tech skills, this one is a must-watch.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations from At the Chalk Face.

🔗 More from us:
Website & resources – Craigndave.org
Smart Revise – smartrevise.online


#AtTheChalkface #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalLiteracy #EdTech #Teaching #ComputingEducation #ComputerScience #AIinEducation #Programming #CraigAndDave #EdTech #VibeCoding #TeachingComputing #coding #codingforbeginners #computercoding