Smartphone policies in schools: what does the evidence say?

There has been growing concern that smartphones are a hindrance to children’s schooling experience. With speculation on how it can compromise their learning, mental health, social lives, and safety. But to what extent are these fears and worries justified?

The joint LSE and 5Rights Digital Futures for Children research centre has recently published a report collating the most up-to-date international evidence to uncover the efficacy of smartphone policies that restrict use at school. Through engaging with case studies of the UK, Singapore, and Colombia, this report explores the challenge of balancing the risks and opportunities of student smartphone use at school.

The research suggests that, by a small margin, policies of smartphone ‘bans’ or ‘partial restrictions’ do create a better learning environment, particularly for students who struggle the most. However, further research and greater policy imagination are urgently needed if we are to produce informed tech policy that advocates for the rights of children and their development.