England and US school smartphone bans raise parental concerns

England has introduced mandatory smartphone restrictions for schools, requiring pupils aged 11 to 18 to leave phones at home or store them during the school day. A survey commissioned by Uswitch found that 49% of parents expect their children to find ways around the ban, with tactics such as sneaking phones, using smartwatches or submitting decoy devices. The same research highlighted worries that a phone‑free day at school could increase demand for screen time at home, and noted that many parents are unaware that hidden browsers and VPNs can bypass parental controls.

In the United States, Senator Elissa Slotkin has called for a total ban on cell phones in K‑12 schools, citing links between unrestricted phone use and rising mental‑health issues among students. Parents are exploring phone‑blocking solutions, including apps such as Forest, Stay Focused and Cold Turkey, as well as physical lockers like Yondr. Studies cited suggest that restricting phone access can improve academic performance by up to 20% and help alleviate anxiety and depression.

Both countries see schools and families turning to technology tools and guidance – Uswitch’s “Safer Screens” resource in England and a range of phone‑blocking apps and devices in the US – to manage device use and support children’s focus and wellbeing.