Public event held to promote ban of smartphones

A blanket ban on smartphones at schools could help with interactions between pupils, students have said.

An event organised by the Smartphone Free Childhood Guernsey (SFCG) group at Les Beaucamps High School in Guernsey discussed the potential impacts using the devices at school could have on students.

The free event was attended by dozens of people including children who said a potential ban on using smartphones at school would be a positive move.

Earlier this year, the States of Guernsey launched a survey asking for parents, students and staff for their views on school phone policies to help with future decisions. The survey's results are due to be published later in the summer.

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In April, the UK government said it would introduce a legal ban on smartphones in England's schools.

Speakers at the SFCG event included David Smith, head teacher of Fulham Boys' School which banned smartphones in September 2024 and former Channel Islands data protection commissioner Emma Martins.

Les Beaucamps pupil Ella, who attended the event, said she did not have a phone, but thought the idea of a total ban in Guernsey was a good idea.

"I think it's a lot better for children not to be online the whole entire time and be more active outside of school," the 12-year-old said.

Rosie, 11, said she does not have a smartphone but would like one at some point.

She believed having a ban could help pupils "interact and connect" with each other in different ways.

"They won't have things like Snapchat and TikTok to talk about, so I can engage more with their conversations," the Les Beaucamps pupil added.

Nicola Shier, a teacher and tutor at Les Murier School, said pupils are already not permitted to have phones at the site.

Discussing having a blanket ban across Guernsey's schools, she said: "I think it would just be an extra step to stop children bringing them into schools."

Deputy Tom Rylatt also attended the event and said he was still at school when more pupils started getting smartphones.

He said a ban would be a bold decision but could help "protect mental health".

"It's not going to be easy and might be a bit painful, but my hope is by taking difficult decisions now, in 10 or 15 years time it becomes the norm and our children and students will be better for it," Rylatt added.

Ahead of the survey launch in Guernsey, Education, Sport & Culture Committee President Paul Montague said the committee wanted the island's schools to become "smartphone-free".

"The issue of smartphone usage on children and young people continues to raise international, national and local concern," he told deputies in February.

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