Ban on smartphones in all Devon schools moves one step closer

A county wide ban on students using smartphones in the region’s schools has moved a step closer after Devon County Council overwhelmingly put its weight behind the idea.

A motion put forward by Braunton councillor Graham Bell at a full council meeting yesterday (Thursday, September 4) saw councillors vote to support a ban in principle from the start of the next academic year in September 2026.

All Braunton schools under the Braunton Learning Cooperative Trust as well as those in Georgeham and Marwood have already banned all smartphones from every school premises from the start of this current term.

Students are not allowed to bring a smartphone to school. Instead, they are 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 county council has said it will support the Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) campaign and will aim to

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carry out a consultation before the start of the spring term with results being analysed by February 2026.

While the council does not have the powers to impose a ban, it says it will actively encourage and support all schools – those under local author control as well as academies and independent - in developing and embedding mobile phone policies that align with the Department for Education’s expectations.

Cllr Bell said: “This motion reflects our duty as councillors to protect children’s wellbeing. Teachers are teachers, they are not referees of TikTok, nor shields against the dangerous misogyny of internet influencers.

“Banning mobile phones in schools is achievable, cost effective, Ofsted-approved and improves educational outcomes. While research on this matter is in its infancy, there is enough peer review to consider.

“Smartphones are not the only distraction on a school child’s mind but they are a persistent negative distraction that we can do something about.

“Acting now allows us to open this conversation across the county. Schools, parents, governors, support groups and pupils must be given the chance to help shape this policy.

“This is about building consensus and trust so that when September 2026 arrives every school is ready, every parent understands and every child knows where they stand.”

Council leader Cllr Julian Brazil, who also has responsibility for education, added: “I’m very pleased the county council is taking a lead on smartphones and the damage they can do to our young people. It’s right that we do this, and this is the first step on understanding the dangers of smartphones.”