Overton Primary School Announces Phased Ban on Smartphones

A coalition of thirty schools across Basingstoke and Deane – including Overton Primary School – has announced a significant new policy aimed at protecting children from the potential harms associated with early smartphone use. The schools have collectively committed to implementing a full ban on smartphones in primary schools by September 2026.

This borough-wide initiative follows increasing concern among headteachers regarding the impact of smartphones on pupils’ mental health, sleep quality, concentration, and overall development. School leaders describe the growing body of evidence as “impossible to ignore,” with many reporting noticeable behavioural and emotional changes in pupils who have regular access to smartphones.

Implementation to Begin in September

The policy will be phased in over a twelve-month period. From September 2025, only pupils in Year 6 will be permitted to bring smartphones onto school premises – under the condition that devices are handed in at the start of the school day. Pupils in Year 5 will no longer be allowed to bring smartphones at all.

From September 2026, smartphones will be prohibited for all primary-aged pupils. However, pupils in Years 5 and 6 will be permitted to bring basic mobile phones – often referred to as “brick phones”—which allow calls and texts but do not support internet access or social media applications.

Collaboration with Smartphone Free Childhood

The new policy is being introduced in partnership with Smartphone Free Childhood, a grassroots campaign that launched in early 2024 and has since grown into a nationwide movement. The organisation encourages parents to sign up to its Parent Pact, a voluntary agreement to delay children’s access to smartphones until at least the end of Year 9.

The campaign, which now involves over 150,000 parents in the UK and has a presence in every county, advocates for a shift in how and when children are introduced to digital technology. The Basingstoke school group is among the first in the country to implement a borough-wide response in alignment with these aims.

Supporting Families Through the Transition

In recognition of the challenges families may face in adapting to the new policy, the alliance is also offering a series of free webinars. These sessions are designed to help parents understand the research underpinning the policy, navigate issues related to screen time, and make informed decisions about digital parenting.

A Proactive Step Towards Cultural Change

While some may view the initiative as a bold or even controversial move, school leaders emphasise the importance of taking proactive steps to prioritise children’s wellbeing. They point to historical examples – such as seat belt laws, smoking bans, and improved school meal standards – as policies that initially faced resistance but ultimately gained widespread acceptance for the public good.

With this new policy, Basingstoke’s schools are positioning themselves at the forefront of a growing cultural shift – one that aims to protect and preserve the experiences of childhood in an increasingly connected world.