Kent headteachers support smartphone ban post Netflix’s Adolescence

Children as young as seven are getting smartphones, and according to headteacher Sophia Dover of Cheriton Primary School in Kent, that’s a big concern. She’s seen harmful content being consumed by primary school pupils, leading to issues with WhatsApp groups and social media sites like Snapchat. To tackle this, the school plans to implement a smartphone ban in September, with hopes of supporting a wider national ban in the future.

“It’s really scary for the future,” Ms. Dover said, highlighting instances where children have had late-night phone sessions resulting in distress. The headteacher also mentioned an unsettling example from another school where kids formed an “Andrew Tate club” after being exposed to harmful social media content.

Across the board, school leaders are recognizing the need to address smartphone use among young children. Concerns about harmful influences like Andrew Tate have prompted calls for a government ban on smartphones for those under 16. One movement, the Smartphone Free Childhood initiative, is gaining traction and urging families to rethink smartphone use for kids.

To combat these issues, some schools are taking proactive measures like implementing smartphone bans or using magnetically locked phone pouches during the school day. Damien McBeath, headteacher of John Wallis Academy, shared that these strategies have led to improved focus, reduced online abuse, and happier students—all positives in the quest to limit smartphone distractions.

With the recent release of Netflix’s “Adolescence,” the conversation around smartphone use, social media, and influencers like Andrew Tate has gained momentum. This has prompted Prime Minister Keir Starmer to support the show’s availability for schools to watch for free, prompting a wider discussion about the impact of technology on young people.

Overall, the push to address smartphone use among children is gaining steam. From bans to pouches, schools are exploring various methods to limit distractions and ensure a positive learning environment. As the national conversation evolves, it’s clear that the impact of social media and toxic influences like the “manosphere” on young minds is a pressing issue that needs attention.