Event 2026

On Saturday 20 June, around 150 people came to Les Beaucamps High School for our Unplugged Event.

Two speakers. One clear message: we are past asking whether there is a problem. The question now is what we do about it.

Data protection expert Emma Martins warns that harmful online content actively targets children based on their profiles, with boys shown violent sexual content and girls exposed to material on dieting and self-harm.

"We know that images of children are being taken and used. We know that children are reading less. We know they're less ready to start school.

We know that they are turning to chat bots for friendship and advice. We know that their mental health is getting worse.

We know that violence against teachers is increasing. We know that AI-generated, sexualized, and violent content is rampant and growing.

We know that children are addicted to social media.

We know that misogyny is rife. We know that racism is rife.

We know that boys and men are weaponising phones to take non-consensual photos and videos of women and girls.

I could go on, and I could be here for quite some hours. And please do not think this is something we and our children are protected from, because we live on a lovely island, there are no borders for this stuff, and because of that, we cannot afford to look away, even if it's difficult.”

David Smith. Headmaster of the first UK school to ban smartphones with a brick phone only policy

A survey of all 800 pupils before the ban showed that 56% got a smartphone aged nine or 10, 93% had a smartphone, 49% used them in school, 42% received almost 50 messages or notifications each day, and over 15% received over 200 notifications a day. 38% had unrestricted access and could look at anything they wanted.

“All of this after years of education around phone use to our parents,” he said, arguing that while they continue to try to educate, sometimes clear rules were needed to do the right thing.

“I've dealt with eating disorders, drug use, drug trafficking, gang-related activity, self-harm, suicide attempts, acts of violence and aggression, misogyny, pornography, addiction, and sexting. The list goes on, all of this through phone use, and I don't buy into only affecting a certain type of person or a certain type of family. It hits everyone.”

You have a real opportunity here in Guernsey to show you mean business and to truly care about young people.”

He understood that there may be nervousness about introducing such a strong policy.

“But my goodness, it's worth it. And I was alone, I did it on my own. You are not on your own. My neck was on the line. Your neck is not on the line. You can ride on the wave that's going across the UK, and it's making a difference to young people's lives.”

“Why such a strong policy? Why, as a headmaster, did I decide to stick my neck on the line and be the first to do such a thing? Why didn't I go from middle ground, perhaps use Yonder pouches in school, or students just keeping their phones switched off in their bags?” said David Smith, who had only been in place as The Fulham Boys School’s leader for two years when the ban came in.

“Because I believe it's a moral duty to do something for the boys in my care, that the next generation is being ruined through social media and smartphone use, and it's something I will die on a hill for.”

Q&A

Q: What specific restrictions does The Fulham Boys School's smartphone ban include?

A: The ban prohibits smartphones for all students under 16 on school grounds and during travel to and from school (including buses, tubes, and school trips). Wireless headphones and smartwatches are also banned. Only basic 'brick' phones are allowed. Violations result in confiscation of both phone and SIM card for six school weeks.

Q: What data convinced the school to implement such a strict policy?

A: A survey of 800 pupils showed 56% received smartphones at age 9 or 10, 93% had smartphones, 49% used them in school, 42% received nearly 50 daily notifications, over 15% received more than 200 daily notifications, and 38% had completely unrestricted access. The school also dealt with serious issues including eating disorders, self-harm, suicide attempts, gang activity, and exposure to violent pornography.

Q: How have parents and students responded to the smartphone ban?

A: Parents of younger children have been most supportive, expressing gratitude that the decision was made for them. By the policy's implementation, 80% of year seven students didn't have smartphones, with 20% leaving them at home. Students themselves said they would give smartphones to their own children two or three years later than they received theirs, recognizsing the dangers despite enjoying their devices.