Schools across the South East of England are following in droves to stop children under 16 from having smartphones. The movement really picked up steam after the launch of the new Netflix series “Adolescence”. The show has garnered significant attention and support for the Smartphone Free Childhood movement, which advocates for limiting children’s access to smartphones to combat issues related to social media and peer pressure.
Jack Thorne, an acclaimed adolescence writer, has publicly backed the campaign. His support unquestioningly, significantly, and even tragically strengthens the growing call for government intervention on the issue. Local activism leader Felicity Winkles, who has helped spearhead the movement in the state, is advocating for a national ban. She stresses that kids by age seven, for instance, are experiencing body image issues from platforms such as WhatsApp and Snapchat.
So what’s one headteacher doing? Sophia Dover, head of Cheriton Primary School in Kent, is making a start. Her new smartphone ban goes into effect this September. Digital dangers Cheriton Primary has had a tough time of it with students interacting via WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms. Dover highlighted the detrimental effects of these platforms, stating, “We have had children who have got themselves in a right state because they take their phones to their bedrooms and are sending messages at three o’clock in the morning.”
The impact of social media on children is a growing concern, particularly as peer pressure intensifies around Year 5, when many parents feel compelled to provide their children with smartphones. Dover expressed her fears regarding this trend, saying, “I’m really scared for the future. The thought of my seven-year-old having a phone is absolutely petrifying.”
Other schools are following suit. Damien McBeath, headteacher of John Wallis Academy, has introduced magnetically locked mobile phone pouches that students must use throughout the school day. Students cannot get into these pouches until the last bell of the school day. This rule prevents them from being distracted by their devices, so they can focus on their academic studies. McBeath estimated that this implementation has made a “huge” positive difference on the school climate.
…we’ve seen increased focus in the classroom and an increase in mitigation of trolling and cyber bullying. In short, kids are being happier and teachers are being less stressed and the quality of their work is coming out. McBeath explained. He advocates for a complete ban on smartphones for children under 16, stating simply, “I didn’t see why any child under that age would need one.”
The headteacher of Cheriton Primary, Mr Firth, recognises that such blanket mobile phone bans are common. Indeed, roughly 97% of schools already imposed some type of restrictions prior to the new guidance. Yet many headteachers continue to use their power to implement total bans. Dover acknowledged this phenomenon: “Parent questionnaires are looked at in great detail and Ofsted could stop school places being filled.”
The movement for a Smartphone Free Childhood has seen a wave of new advocates join since the release of “Adolescence.” Parents have since gathered well over 30,000 additional signatures to support the pact. They are raising alarm bells about their children’s mental health and wellbeing in our new digital-first society.
