Smartphone bans: the professional perspective
17 Oct, 2025
1 minute read

Smartphone bans: the professional perspective

“We have children – especially neurodivergent children – who operate in a life-changing manner, just by the way they are harnessing the tech.” 

In May, a screen time report from The Education Select Committee recommended the next government work with Ofcom to consider additional measures around screen time – one of which being a total ban on smartphones for those under 16. It’s a debate then, that looks ongoing. 

In the previous two episodes of this Tech Shock special, we’ve heard from parents and young people about what a U-16s smartphone ban might mean for them. In this episode, our focus shifts towards mobile industry and education experts, and the contributions we’ve received from professionals. 

You can catch up on every episode of the Tech Shock podcast here.


Latest Articles


Early years media literacy

How can we improve early years digital media literacy?

What will it take to improve support and interventions for families?
 

Toddler phone

Early years digital media literacy: new report highlights significant gaps

Professor of Education Janet Goodall discusses parental engagement around digital and early years tech use.

Sexual harassment in schools

Schools and emerging tech: a new era of sexual harassment?

In this episode, Vicki is joined by the Centre for Democracy and Technology's Kristin Woelfel to discuss tech-facilitated sexual harassment and abuse in schools.