Oxford, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Oxford Spires Academy in Oxford will implement a complete ban on smartphones for Year 7 to Year 11 students starting in September. The head teacher, Louise Cowley, aims to cultivate a calmer and more focused educational environment by allowing only basic ‘brick’ phones on campus. This decision aligns with a growing trend in southern England as many schools introduce similar restrictions due to concerns over smartphone addiction among students. The ban prohibits smartphones, which will be confiscated if found, prompting a parental retrieval process for the devices.
Oxford – Starting September, Oxford Spires Academy will implement a complete ban on smartphones for all Year 7 to Year 11 students, allowing only basic “brick” phones on campus. The head teacher, Louise Cowley, stated that the goal is to foster a calmer and more focused learning environment for students. This decision is part of a larger trend in southern England, where a growing number of schools are instituting similar restrictions to address the perceived negative impact of smartphone use among younger pupils.
According to the Department for Education, approximately 97% of schools are currently enforcing some level of restrictions on phone usage. Full bans are becoming increasingly common as head teachers seek to combat distractions in the classroom. At Oxford Spires Academy, smartphones will be categorized as prohibited items. Any student found with a smartphone will have it confiscated, and parents or guardians will be required to retrieve the devices from the school.
Feedback from students, parents, and staff indicates that mobile phones are often viewed as addictive and disruptive to the educational process. Cowley highlighted that many students exhibit shortened attention spans due to a constant desire to check their phones, adversely affecting both communication and interaction with peers and teachers. A recent survey of parents revealed that 70% expressed concerns regarding their children’s smartphone usage, with reports emerging that some children spend over five hours a day on their devices.
Furthermore, 64% of parents surveyed supported limiting smartphone access until after Year 10, while 68% indicated they would be willing to buy a basic phone if others in their child’s cohort did the same. Some parents have voiced apprehensions about their children commuting without smartphones; however, Cowley assured that support will be in place to help ease the transition. Students will be permitted to keep a basic phone in their bags as long as it remains switched off and out of sight.
Students at the academy, such as Max and Beatrix, have acknowledged the challenges associated with phone use during class. They expressed mixed feelings about the impending ban, which reflects a wider sentiment among the student body. In contrast, sixth form students will have limited access to smartphones, permitted only in their common room.
Oxford Spires Academy is not alone in adopting these measures. Schools such as Wheatley Park, Chipping Norton, Swanmore College, and Petersfield School have implemented similar rules, while St Peter’s Catholic School in Dorset and Bohunt School in Berkshire have also joined the movement. Notably, Eton College introduced basic phones for new pupils last September, and some institutions have opted for locking phones in magnetic pouches during school hours, a method that has shown promise in improving student behavior and academic performance at establishments like the Hurst School in Tadley.
In conjunction with these school-level initiatives, nearly 150,000 parents have signed a Parent Pact advocating for delaying smartphone access until at least age 14 and social media use until age 16. This grassroots campaign, known as Smartphone Free Childhood, seeks to mitigate the risks associated with smartphone addiction among youth.
However, it is important to note that a study indicated that banning phones in schools does not necessarily lead to improved academic performance or mental health, indicating a need for broader strategies beyond just school policies. This trend in educational institutions is also mirrored internationally; for instance, South Korea passed a law banning mobile phone use during class hours set to take effect in March 2026.
In the UK, two fathers are pursuing legal action for a statutory ban on smartphones in schools, citing safety concerns for children as a motivation for this initiative.
FAQs
What is the new smartphone policy at Oxford Spires Academy?
Starting September, Oxford Spires Academy will ban smartphones for Year 7 to Year 11 pupils. Only basic “brick” phones will be allowed, and any smartphones brought on campus will be confiscated.
Why is the academy implementing this smartphone ban?
The ban is intended to create a calmer, more focused learning environment, as feedback suggests smartphones are distracting and contributing to decreased attention spans in students.
How will the school support students during the transition?
Students will be supported as they transition away from smartphones; they can keep a basic phone in their bags as long as it remains switched off and out of sight.
Are other schools in the area implementing similar policies?
Yes, numerous schools in southern England, including Wheatley Park, Chipping Norton, and Swanmore College, have adopted policies to limit smartphone use among students.
Key Features of the Smartphone Ban at Oxford Spires Academy
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Start Date | September |
| Applicable Year Groups | Year 7 to Year 11 |
| Allowed Devices | Basic “brick” phones |
| Smartphone Status | Prohibited items, confiscated if found |
| Parental Involvement | Parents must collect confiscated smartphones |
| Additional Support | Students can keep a basic phone if turned off and out of sight |
| Parent Survey Concerns | 70% concerned about phone usage |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New York State to Implement Smartphone Ban in Schools by 2025
Additional Resources
- BBC News
- Google Search: smartphone ban schools
- The Guardian
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Smartphone – Impact on Children and Teens
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