08 Oct 2025
A Harpenden secondary school has introduced a ban on smartphone use for pupils joining Year 7 next September.
St George’s School has updated its policy in the wake of a decision by the majority of the town’s primary schools to introduce similar measures from the start of this autumn term.
From September 2026, pupils joining Year 7 at St George’s will only be allowed to bring in a “brick” phone to communicate with home. The policy will be extended to new cohorts in 2027 and 2028, so by September 2028 no pupil in Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) will be allowed to bring a smartphone to school.
Headteacher Andy Ford explained: “Over the past year, we have carefully considered a wide range of perspectives on this.
“Most importantly, we have listened to you, our parent and carer community, as well as to the families who will be joining us in future years. While we know that views on this subject vary, the majority opinion is clear: schools have a role in helping families shift towards a new social norm, where children are introduced to smartphones at a later age.
“This change is rooted in our desire to give children the space to be fully present with one another, to develop friendships face to face, and to reduce some of the anxieties that can arise from social media use. Alongside this, we will continue to work closely with both pupils and parents to encourage healthy digital habits.”
Mr Ford added: “It is important to emphasise that this step does not mean we are ‘anti-technology’. Far from it. Our pupils thrive on the opportunities that technology brings to their learning. Rather this is about being pro-boundaries; helping young people use technology responsibly, positively, and at the right times.”
The Smartphone Free Childhood campaign has been growing in strength across the district over the past year, calling for tougher restrictions on access to apps and smartphones for young people.
Meanwhile, St Albans Girls’ School (STAGS) received hundreds of responses to a survey on the issue of mobile phone use.
“Your thoughtful reflections and ideas have been invaluable in helping us consider how mobile phones can be managed effectively across our school community,” headteacher Paul Kershaw said in the school newsletter.
The survey showed strong support for keeping phones in lockers and out of classrooms, and highlighted the importance of safe smartphone use at other times.
Mr Kershaw added: “It is clear from the survey that our community values both the benefits and the responsibilities that come with mobile technology.
“We remain confident that our policy of keeping phones in lockers throughout the school day works exceptionally well, while also ensuring that important conversations around online safety and responsible use continue through our pastoral curriculum and personal development programmes.”
Not all schools are in favour of a smartphone ban, however, with Beaumont in St Albans rejecting calls by parents for a change in school policy.
