Ormiston Academies Trust has announced a groundbreaking ban on smartphones during school hours for approximately 35,000 pupils across its 42 state schools in England.

This initiative marks Ormiston as the first national academy chain to implement such a phone-free policy, driven by concerns over the detrimental effects of smartphone usage on children's mental health.

The decision to restrict phone access is a response to alarming trends in adolescent mental health, described as 'catastrophic,' with rising incidents of self-harm and suicide attempts linked to social media.

The initiative follows a broader conversation in the UK about managing children's smartphone use, with St Albans aiming to become the first city to ban smartphones for children under 14.

The rollout of this policy will begin with eight secondary schools this term, following consultations with parents and previous pilot programs.

Parents have expressed growing concerns regarding the harmful content children encounter online, particularly in light of tragic incidents linked to social media.

Tom Rees, chief executive of Ormiston, emphasized that smartphone use disrupts learning and well-being, linking it to significant mental health issues.

As part of ongoing efforts to enhance child safety online, the UK Online Safety Act will take effect next year, requiring social media companies to improve protections for children.

The new policy aims to reduce distractions that hinder learning and focus, as research indicates that smartphone ownership among children sharply increases from age eight.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan highlighted that one in five pupils have experienced online bullying, and one in three reported using smartphones in class without permission.

Tom Bennett, an adviser to the Department for Education, noted that Ormiston's policy is the most ambitious of its kind, reflecting a growing trend towards limiting technology in educational settings.

Earlier this year, the Department of Education provided guidance for schools to potentially enforce smartphone bans, although such measures are not mandatory.