A report from University College London says smartphone bans in schools are often seen by young people as “punitive” rather than helpful, warning that outright restrictions can have unintended effects. The findings come as England’s statutory ban on smartphones in schools takes effect, requiring individual schools and trusts to keep pupils phone-free during the school day and make arrangements for how devices are handled.
The UCL research describes smartphone bans as “overly simplistic” and argues they do not reflect how students experience the policy. While the report focuses on young people’s perspectives, it also implies that blanket approaches may overlook practical realities of learning, safety, and communication.
Published shortly after the legal change, the study highlights a potential gap between policy intent and pupil experience. The report does not eliminate the possibility of managing phone use in schools, but it calls for more nuanced approaches than a total ban to address concerns about fairness and usefulness for students.
