Push for Legal Smartphone Ban in Schools

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

As pupils in England and Wales return to classrooms, a fresh campaign led by Esther Ghey — mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey — and Oscar-winning actor Kate Winslet is urging the government to introduce a statutory ban on smartphones in schools. The call highlights concerns that current guidance has resulted in inconsistent practices, creating what campaigners describe as a “postcode lottery” in child protection.

A Push Beyond Existing Guidelines

Research by children’s commissioner Rachel de Souza, however, shows wide disparities: while 90% of secondary schools enforce some restrictions, only 3.5% prohibit phones on school grounds entirely, and just 7.9% require pupils to hand them in for the full day.

Ghey argues that a legal ban would have “solved so many issues” for her daughter, who was drawn into harmful online spaces.

The Smartphone Free Childhood Campaign

The newly launched Smartphone Free Childhood initiative is pressing ministers to adopt nationwide legislation, supported with funding for lockable pouches or alternative solutions. The campaign has drawn endorsements from actor Stephen Graham, boxer-turned-mental health advocate Frank Bruno, singer Will Young, online platform Mumsnet, and author Jonathan Haidt, who links smartphones to rising child mental illness.

Voices from Experience

Winslet, who won a Bafta for her role in I Am Ruth — portraying a mother battling her daughter’s social media addiction — underscored the stakes:

“Every child deserves to be in classrooms that are free from the distraction and highly addictive nature of smartphones. A statutory ban would be a vital step towards protecting the mental health of young people and preserving every child’s right to realising their fullest potential during these precious and integral years.”

Ghey echoed the need for face-to-face interaction, warning that phones enable access to harmful material including child sexual abuse imagery, pornography, and drug markets. After Brianna’s school adopted a pouch system, staff observed increased social interaction, with pupils engaging more openly in conversation and play.

Safeguarding Concerns

Brianna’s case underscores the risks of unregulated phone use. Her mother revealed 120 safeguarding issues linked to her device, spanning child sexual exploitation, eating disorder triggers, and self-harm. An additional 116 behavior incidents were recorded, including absences from class and defiance over phone use.

Source: The Guardian

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting