Around three in four of the borough’s primary and secondary schools have written to parents explaining why they will ban smartphones from next term

Around 75% of Enfield schools will ban smartphones from September, Enfield Council has announced.

The 81 primary and secondary schools have sent a letter to parents and guardians of their intention to ban smartphones from school premises from September.

Teachers hope that a smartphone-free environment will boost learning, protect mental health and improve online safety.

They also hope to address concerns related to online bullying, social isolation, exposure to harmful online content, and concentration in class.

The schools recommend that parents and carers consider alternatives such as a brick phone (a phone without internet access) or a fully locked-down phone with no internet or social media apps.

Concerns around smartphone use by children have been growing in recent years, with schools across the country increasingly looking at the option of a total ban. Neighbouring Barnet recently implemented a smartphone ban in its primary schools.

Abdul Abdullahi, the council’s cabinet member for children’s services, said: “The council and schools cannot lead this fight alone, we need full support from parents in the borough to ensure children are protected in the real world and online.

“Students should be able to focus on their education and be able to engage in the classroom without any unnecessary distractions caused by smartphone use.

“This is why we highly encourage parents to delay giving their child a smartphone and access to social media at a young age. We want young people to be at school to flourish, and we fully support those schools that have decided to introduce this policy.”

Enfield Council previously launched a guidance booklet for parents, carers and guardians around online safety for their children.

For more information:
Visit Online Safety in Enfield

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