Headteachers in Barnet, the first borough in England to implement a smartphone ban across all its schools, report positive outcomes linked to the policy since its introduction in September 2025. School leaders say the ban has reduced distractions, lowered incidents of cyberbullying, increased face-to-face interaction among pupils, and created calmer learning environments. They also contend that prohibiting mobile devices does not compromise student safety, as carrying expensive phones can elevate the risk of theft.

Barnet’s approach covers all 103 primary schools and includes 23 secondary schools that have banned smartphones and smartwatches for the current student cohort. However, some secondary schools had already restricted phone use well before the borough-wide policy. Bishop Douglass Catholic School in East Finchley, for example, has prohibited mobile phones during school hours for more than two decades. Its headteacher, Michelle Henderson, argued that phones do not necessarily enhance student safety and may increase vulnerability to theft. She noted that students are encouraged to seek assistance from trusted adults such as police officers, transport staff, or local shop workers in emergencies rather than relying on personal mobile devices.

Henderson highlighted academic benefits of the phone ban, pointing out that the school’s sixth form ranks joint first in progress among Barnet’s non-selective schools and is in the top 7 percent nationally. She said the policy supports concentration, positive behaviour, attendance, and overall pupil wellbeing.

Clarion School, a secondary school with a sixth form, adopted a phone-free policy in 2022, replacing a previous “out of sight” rule. Headteacher Chris Hunt explained that the policy was inspired by concerts requiring phones to be stored in lockable pouches. At Clarion, pupils place their phones in Yondr pouches upon arrival, with staff conducting random bag checks and confiscating devices not locked inside. Students caught breaking rules face a seven-day phone ban. Although students initially attempted to bypass the system using dummy phones, stringent enforcement has largely stopped such incidents. Hunt reported “a noticeable increase in students socially interacting” and greater participation in extracurricular activities.

Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School has banned smartphones for pupils in years 7 to 11 since 2017. Students may bring basic mobile phones, which must be switched off and kept out of sight during school hours. Any smartphone or internet-enabled device is confiscated for ten school days. Headteacher Violet Walker said some families initially opposed the change, expressing concerns about staying in contact with children outside school. She added that basic phones and tracking devices such as Apple AirTags have addressed these worries. Following the ban, the school observed a marked decline in cyberbullying incidents via social media.

A spokesperson for Barnet Education and Learning Services, a council-owned organisation, stated that research shows children aged 11 to 15 are especially susceptible to harmful social media influences accessed through smartphones. The spokesperson encouraged parents to delay providing smartphones until at least age 14 and social media access until age 16.