Schools report early impact of smartphone ban

Schools in Kent and Sussex say they are already seeing changes in pupil behaviour a month after a nationwide ban on smartphones came into force.

The policy, announced in June and introduced at the start of the school year, restricts students' use of smartphones during the school day.

In a joint letter to parents, secondary school heads in Brighton & Hove previously asked parents not to send Year 7 pupils to their new school with a smartphone.

Shelley Baker, head teacher at Varndean School in the city, said: "Young people, especially in the older years, are recognising the dangers and damages that smartphones have already done to them."

At Wouldham All Saints Church of England Primary School near Rochester, pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 who walk home alone are allowed basic mobile phones without internet access.

Head teacher Victoria Baldwin said: "The impact of algorithms and exposure to inappropriate material is really frightening."

She says she cannot control what parents do outside of school, and nor would she want to, but adds: "I can protect children for six and a half hours a day."

The smartphone ban is separate from the social media ban for under-16s, which the government announced would come into effect from next spring.

Dr Lindsey Cameron, a psychology researcher at the University of Kent, said the changing narrative around phone use is making a difference.

"Schools are telling us they've got a safer, more productive learning environment," she explained.

"Young people are more engaged, their attention is better and they're calmer."

Schools said the restrictions were having a positive effect, but some researchers have questioned whether bans alone are enough to improve outcomes.

A University of Birmingham study previously found no difference in grades, mental health or classroom behaviour between pupils at schools with phone bans and those without, although higher overall smartphone use was linked to poorer outcomes.

It is not just teachers who have been making sure pupils follow the rules.

"It's going alright, but some people do bring phones - we've found them out," Enzo shared.

Sidney said phones are better left at home: "I think it's better instead of people taking pictures and sending rude words online."

Robyn agreed, saying her parents have forbidden her from taking one to school.

Students also said it was changing their friendship dynamics.

"Instead of making friends on TikTok, Snapchat or gaming platforms, you can make friends in real-life with real connections," Year 7 student Thea said.

Arush, who will be sitting his GCSEs next year, said the ban has caused him and his friends to reflect.

"While [friends] are studying, they're leaving their phones downstairs or in their parents' room so they're not addicted to it," he said.

Acknowledging a culture shift for her students, Baker said: "I'm interested to track this throughout this year to see how far we might continue this policy."

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