All Braunton schools to bring in smartphone ban from September

Every school in Braunton as well as Georgeham and Marwood primary schools are set to ban smartphones for pupils from the premises when the new term begins this September.

It will cover all schools that form the Braunton Learning Cooperative Trust – Braunton Academy, the primary schools of Caen, Kingsacre and Southmead as well as the trust’s primary schools at Georgeham and Marwood.

The trust said from September, students will not be allowed to bring a smartphone to school. Instead, they will be able to bring a simple phone with no internet access or camera facility. This must remain switched off and in their school bag throughout the day.

The trust said the decision came in response to a joint consultation between itself and the Braunton Branch of Smart Phone Free Childhood with all families across the six schools.

It said the consultation was held ‘due to the mounting evidence’ that mobile phone use - particularly social media and addictive screen habits - can significantly harm young people’s mental health, attention and academic performance.

Fay Bowler, principal of Braunton Academy, said: “We want our schools to be places where students can thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

“This policy is not about punishment - it’s about protection. It’s about giving our young people the space to be present, to connect face-to-face and flourish in the schools and wider community without digital distraction.”

Nick Plumb, headteacher at Southmead Primary School, added: “All of our schools are about supporting the well-being of our pupils and teaching them to grow and develop in the world that we live in.

“The world has changed a lot since we were young and the risks and evidence around smartphones and the world wide web are clear.

“However, we all recognise that whilst there are risks, there are also many amazing benefits. It is just about finding the right balance at an age-appropriate time.”

Maddy Agnew, spokesperson for the Braunton Branch of Smart Phone Free Childhood said they were thrilled local schools had taken ‘this bold and hopeful step’.

She went on: “Over recent months, we’ve heard from so many parents deeply concerned about the impact of smartphone use on their children’s mental health, focus and sense of connection.

“This new policy - which no longer permits smartphones in schools and instead encourages the use of simple, ‘90s-style brick phones' - has been met with real excitement and relief.

The community of Braunton has been overwhelmingly supportive. This is a wonderful, forward-thinking move that puts the wellbeing of young people first. We believe the headteachers behind this should be praised for their courage and leadership.

We are so proud of Braunton - our community is united and this decision reflects the kind of place we are caring, connected and committed to protecting the innocence and wellbeing of our children.”