Mobile Phones
Mobile Phone Policy – Year 7 (From September 2026)
As we prepare to welcome your child to The Blandford School in September 2026, we would like to share an important update to our mobile phone policy.
From September 2026, The Blandford School will be smartphone-free for Year 7 students. This means that Year 7 students will not be permitted to bring a smartphone to school.
This is a change from our current policy, which allows smartphones provided they are switched off and kept in bags during the school day.
Why we are making this change
This decision is based on local and national research and follows guidance from medical professionals, Dorset Police, Dorset Council, educational leaders, and our own experience as a school. It also reflects the approach being taken by many of our feeder primary schools.
Our aim is to support students’ wellbeing, improve learning, and work in partnership with families during this important transition to secondary school.
Supporting families
We understand that many parents feel pressure to provide a smartphone at the start of secondary school, often because “everyone else has one.” We want to work alongside families to support a shared approach that helps delay smartphone use where possible.
We also recognise that parents may want reassurance about their child’s journey to and from school. There are alternatives that can provide this without the risks associated with smartphones, such as:
- Basic mobile phones (calls and texts only)
- Limited-function phones
- GPS tracking devices designed for children
The impact of smartphones
Staff in school see first-hand the challenges that smartphones and online platforms can create for young people. Social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms can affect friendships, wellbeing, and learning, and are a common safeguarding concern.
Research shows smartphones can contribute to:
- Increased anxiety, low mood, and reduced self-esteem
- Poor sleep and reduced concentration
- Exposure to inappropriate or harmful online content
- Cyberbullying and constant social pressure
- Reduced face-to-face communication skills
The Ofcom report (February 2024) found that:
- 9 in 10 children have a mobile phone by age 11
- Around three-quarters of 13–17 year olds have experienced potential online harms
- 3 in 5 secondary pupils have been contacted online in a way that made them uncomfortable
There are also wider safety concerns. National data suggests increasing risks linked to smartphone use outside school, including distraction in public spaces and incidents involving theft.
Learning and digital education
This change does not mean reducing access to technology in education.
Students will continue to:
- Learn about online safety and responsible technology use
- Develop digital skills through Computing and Personal Development lessons
- Use school-managed devices in a safe, structured environment
The focus is on removing unnecessary pressures, not removing technology from learning.
Working together
We believe that starting Year 7 is the right time to introduce this approach. It helps students build confidence, friendships, and routines without the distraction of smartphones, while supporting families with a clear and consistent expectation.
Further details about how this policy will work in practice will be shared closer to September 2026, including communication arrangements and safeguarding guidance.
If there are exceptional circumstances where your child may need to bring a mobile phone into school (for example, medical reasons), please contact the school office. All requests will be considered individually.
Thank you for your support. We look forward to working together to ensure your child has a safe, positive, and successful start at The Blandford School.