Earls Barton Primary School in Northamptonshire has introduced a total ban of smartphones. According to co-head teacher Marie Lally, the early returns look encouraging. The school introduced the ban last month after consultations with parents and governors highlighted concerns regarding the impact of smartphones on pupils’ wellbeing. Since the ban, Lally says they’ve noticed students coming into school much more calm and ready to learn.
She would like parents to know the decision to limit smartphone use was not made lightly. Then began a series of calls with parents and governors that revealed a swelling panic. From liberals to conservatives, they all agree that smartphones are hurting students’ mental health and destroying their social lives. “We can provide guidance, consultation and leadership, but we cannot enforce policy across trusts,” said Kathryn Shaw, reflecting on the broader challenges schools face in managing technology use.
As the other co-head teacher explained, she had a lot of nervous technology parents coming to her to complain about what their kids were reading on cell phones. “Parents should control what their children were looking at on their phones,” Lally stated, underscoring the role of parental oversight in children’s digital lives.
Reflecting on her own experiences as a parent, Lally shared a personal sentiment: “As a mother-of-three, I wish I hadn’t bought my eldest child a smartphone.” She further articulated her belief that there is no necessity for children as young as 10 or 11 to possess such devices. Millions of other parents agree with her and are rethinking when to put a smartphone in their kids’ hands. Her comments squarely mirror those fears and point to a larger pattern.
The overall response from students, especially those in Year 6 and below, has been very encouraging. Lally reported, “Year 6 started this year much calmer, much more focused, and much more childlike, and so far the only impact we’ve seen is positive.” This shift in behavior suggests that eliminating smartphones from the school environment may contribute to a more conducive learning atmosphere.
