Brighton schools ban smartphones for Year 7s

In a significant move for digital well-being, all ten secondary schools in Brighton and Hove will enforce a smartphone-free policy for Year 7 pupils beginning in September. This proactive measure will prohibit students, typically aged 11 to 12, from bringing internet-capable phones, including those with social media access or camera functions, into school.

The decision, detailed in a joint letter from the schools, stems from extensive community engagement and compelling evidence. The Secondary School Partnership highlighted a desire to foster genuine connections and belonging among students while developing essential real-world digital skills.

This initiative aligns with broader national trends, as other councils and an increasing number of primary schools in Brighton and Hove have already adopted similar restrictions. The primary objectives include bolstering safeguarding and online safety protocols, improving student concentration and academic performance, enhancing mental health and overall wellbeing, and fostering better interpersonal relationships.

Each school will integrate this policy according to its specific mobile phone guidelines. The collective impact and effectiveness of this approach will be formally assessed during the 2026-2027 academic year, with potential for the ban to be extended to older age groups.