One of England’s largest school academy trusts, Ormiston Academies Trust, is set to implement a UK schools ban on smartphones during the school day across its 42 state schools, affecting around 35,000 pupils nationwide. This move comes amid growing concerns about the impact of mobile phones on students’ learning, behaviour, and mental health, which has been a hot topic in UK education circles.
According to the trust, the decision to phase out smartphone access aims to address the negative effects phones can have on teaching, learning, and students’ well-being. Ormiston’s spokesperson highlighted that “teaching and learning, behaviour, and children’s mental health are all impacted negatively by mobile phones,” echoing concerns shared by many educators and parents alike.
This initiative aligns with recent guidance from the Department for Education, which empowered school leaders in England to ban mobile phones during school hours. The policy shift reflects a broader debate within the UK about how best to manage digital distractions in educational settings. Tom Rees, Ormiston’s chief executive, pointed to a “clear correlation” between smartphone use and mental health issues among students, reinforcing the need for such measures.
The ban will be implemented across all Ormiston schools, including six primary and 32 secondary institutions from Cheshire to the Isle of Wight. Notably, some of its secondary schools have already piloted various approaches to the policy this term, with one school going completely phone-free. Feedback from these trials has been overwhelmingly positive, with both parents and students reporting improved focus and reduced peer pressure.
In addition to secondary schools, access to smartphones is already restricted in Ormiston’s primary, special needs, and alternative provision schools. The trust has taken a consultative approach, allowing individual schools to tailor the policy based on their unique circumstances and community feedback. “We want schools to do this at their pace,” the spokesperson explained, emphasizing the importance of considering the perspectives of parents and pupils in the decision-making process.
Tom Bennett, a behaviour advisor for the Department for Education, described the smartphone ban as the “smartest thing” a school could do, referring to phones as “attention hoovers.” Bennett noted that while some schools have already imposed similar restrictions, enforcement has been inconsistent. He suggested that a universal ban could eliminate peer pressure and help students adjust more easily to phone-free environments.
The debate over smartphone use in schools extends beyond the classroom, touching on broader societal concerns about children’s screen time and online safety. Earlier this year, a parliamentary committee urged the government to consider banning smartphones for under-16s, citing the “serious dangers” posed to children online. Although Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed reservations about a blanket ban, he acknowledged that there is a “serious question” about what children can access on their devices.
This UK initiative is part of a wider international conversation. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has indicated he is closely monitoring Australia’s proposed legislation to ban social media for all under-16s, highlighting a growing recognition of the need to regulate young people’s digital engagement.
For more insights into the UK schools ban on smartphones and its impact on students, visit EyeOnLondon, and explore the Department for Education’s guidance on mobile phone use in schools.
