Generation FOCUS
Giving every child the benefits of a smartphone free school day
We’re campaigning for a change to government guidance so every child has the benefits of a smartphone free school day. But every term is precious and children can't afford to wait - that's why we're empowering head teachers to effectively remove smartphones from the school day.
Free to Focus
Every child should be free to focus, learn and thrive during the school day so we're supporting headteachers to get smartphones out of schools for good. This protects students from addictive-by-design technology, harmful content and contact, and the threat of being filmed or photographed.
We're supporting head teachers with the practical tools, evidence and inspiration to remove smartphones from schools.
"We are stealing childhood from our kids, one swipe at a time. The screens we hand them are not just distractions - they are robbing them of the chance to grow, to learn, and to be free from the relentless
pressure of online life."
Jean Twenge, Psychologist
Increased academic performance and learning
When phones are removed from the school day, academic attainment improves.
A safer environment
Removing smartphones safeguards students from harmful content and bullying.
Better mental health
Banning phones from schools can reduce anxiety and boost social interaction.
Addressing addiction
Schools are in a powerful position to give young people, especially vulnerable children, a break from addictive technology and online harm.
of teens say they bypass the parental controls on their smartphones
messages on just one Year 6 WhatsApp group overnight
of teachers say most of their lessons are interrupted by phones
of teachers favour banning smartphones from the school day
3 steps to becoming a smartphone free school
We've drawn on the experiences of secondary schools in a variety of settings across the UK to identify three clear steps for going genuinely smartphone-free.
1. EDUCATE
2: ACTIVATE
3: COMMUNICATE
Educate
Understand how smartphones are currently impacting children at your school.
Educate parents and children on the evidence of harm and benefits of removing them from the school day.
Activate
Create a policy framework that genuinely removes access to smartphones wherever children are under your care and which addresses all logistical implications for the running of the school day.
Activate
Create a policy framework that genuinely removes access to smartphones wherever children are under your care and which addresses all logistical implications for the running of the school day.
Communicate
Clearly communicate with the whole school community, emphasising the benefits and being specific about the logistics.
We are a coalition of parents, educators, doctors and business-leaders, with an urgent mission: to help all schools in the UK to go smartphone free. We are supporting head teachers to remove smartphones from their schools. We are lobbying government for a mandatory ban of smartphones in schools.
Meet The Headteachers
who have signed our letter to government
Meet Our Team
We are three mums of pre-teens who have realised that until all schools are smartphone-free, every child is exposed to the risks of unfiltered internet access and the relentless distraction of addictive-by-design technology.






