Sheffield councillors called to consider smartphone ban in all schools
Sheffield could become the first council in the North to support smartphone-free schools after councillors were formally asked to back a parent-led campaign calling for tighter restrictions on children’s smartphone use.
In a letter seen by The Star, all 85 Sheffield councillors were urged to support an initiative that would encourage schools across the city to adopt smartphone-free policies.
The campaign is part of a wider national movement advocating for a “Smartphone-Free Childhood”.
The call for councillor support follows a city-wide petition which gathered more than 200 signatures in its first 24 hours and has now surpassed 500.
Campaigners say the rapid response highlights growing concern among parents about the impact of smartphones on children’s wellbeing.
Ruth Fitzell, from Smartphone Free Childhood, said Sheffield parents are already engaging strongly with the movement.
“More than 2,000 parents in Sheffield have signed the ‘parent pact’, which pledges to delay smartphone ownership until at least 14 and social media use until 16,” she said.
“Parents want to know where their children are and be able to contact them, but this can be done using alternatives such as a basic phone or tracking devices like AirTags.
“Children experience intense peer pressure to have a smartphone because everyone else has one.
“We are trying to alleviate that pressure and encourage schools and councils to set higher standards by delaying the age at which smartphones are introduced.”
Campaigners point to a growing body of research suggesting early smartphone use can disrupt sleep, increase anxiety, reduce attention spans and negatively affect social development.
Ms Fitzell said evidence from UK and international schools shows that delaying smartphone ownership and introducing smartphone-free school policies can have significant benefits.
“Schools that have taken this approach report improvements in pupils’ focus, mental health and social engagement,” she said.
The letter sent to councillors calls on the council to support parents through guidance, workshops and resources promoting a smartphone-free childhood.
It also asks for support in helping families introduce smartphones and social media more safely when the time is right, including education around algorithms and online content.
If adopted, the initiative could see Sheffield lead the way in the North in addressing concerns around children’s smartphone use and digital wellbeing.