From September 2026, Year 7 students will not be permitted to bring a smartphone or smartwatch to school. This policy will then follow them throughout their school career until they leave at the end of Year 11. It will also apply to all future Year 7 intakes.
Students in Year 7 will be permitted to bring a feature phone (sometimes referred to as a ‘brick phone’ or ‘dumb phone’), but this must remain switched off and out of sight during the school day. Current students in Years 8–11 will not be covered by the new policy; however, the same rules apply regarding phones being switched off and out of sight during the school day. Should the government change its current policy and introduce a total ban on smartphones in schools, King’s will amend its policy and apply it to students in all year groups.
Why have we chosen to ban smartphones and smartwatches?
There is now a considerable body of research highlighting the negative impact of smartphones and smartwatches on young people. We are concerned about the use of these devices for the following reasons:
- Many features of smartphones are designed to be addictive, representing a significant distraction from schoolwork and wider interests. They can also contribute to a loss of good‑quality sleep.
- Apps such as Snapchat and WhatsApp can lead to young people engaging in unkind or bullying behaviours.
- Smartphones enable the spread of concerning content, which can negatively impact the mental health and wellbeing of young people.
- There is growing evidence to suggest that smartphone use can lead to reduced attention and focus, thereby negatively affecting academic progress.
- Smartphones can bring young people into contact with strangers online, increasing the risk of grooming or exposure to extreme or radical ideas.
What actions might you need to take following the new smartphone policy for Year 7 students?
- If your child intends to travel by bus, they will need a physical bus pass, which can be obtained from Brighton & Hove Buses. Alternatively, they can pay with cash or a physical bank card. How do I get a busID? - Brighton & Hove Buses
- Bromcom, email, and Microsoft apps are all available to your child through their school Microsoft 365 account. This can be accessed via a home PC, tablet, or laptop. There are many PCs available in school, so students do not need a smart device in school to access these services.
- Some parents use tracking apps to check their child’s location before and after school. An alternative used by parents whose children do not have smartphones is to purchase inexpensive AirTags, which can be placed in a backpack. These are widely available from retailers such as Amazon.
- There is no need for your child to have a phone in school at all, but if you do wish to purchase one for them it must be a feature phone (sometimes referred to as a ‘brick’ or ‘dumb’ phone). Feature phone models available are subject to continual change but the following models might be good starting points for you: Nokia 3210, Maxcom MM135L, Nokia 2660 flip, The Phone+
- We would recommend that your child has an inexpensive analogue watch that does not have any ‘smart’ capabilities.
What will happen if a Year 7 student brings a smartphone to school?
- We will be enforcing this new policy fairly and robustly and will be conducting regular checks on Year 7 students.
- Should we find a smartphone or smartwatch on your child we will contact you to inform you that the policy has not been followed. A consequence will then be issued in line with the school’s behaviour policy which can be found in the New Parent / Carer Welcome Pack. Should the policy be breached for a second time, it is likely that a serious consequence such as a suspension will be issued.
Will students covered by the new policy be able to take smartphones on school trips?
- Students covered by the new policy will not be permitted to take smartphones or smartwatches on school trips.