Channel 4’s “Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones” - How Lockabl Can Help Schools Manage Phone Use

A timely new two-part documentary, “Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones”, is set to air on Channel 4, produced by BOLDPRINT Studios. The programme is hosted by Matt and Emma Willis, and it tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: the impact of smartphones on young people. The experiment is being conducted at The Stanway School in Colchester, where a group of Year 8 pupils – and the presenters themselves – are challenged to give up their smartphones for a full 21 days.

In partnership with The University of York, this groundbreaking social experiment will examine how removing smartphones affects the students’ mental health, sleep, cognitive abilities, and social interactions. The pupils will undergo a series of tests at the start and end of the three weeks, allowing researchers to track changes in attention, memory, reaction times, and mood.

The experiment aims to shed light on the growing issue of smartphone addiction, especially among young people. According to the press release, 50% of UK nine-year-olds now own smartphones, and frequent social media use has been linked to a 27% increase in the risk of depression . The documentary is not only about the pupils but also the presenters, who admit to being daunted by the challenge of going without their phones. Emma Willis said:

“Our lives these days revolve around our smartphones, and the thought of three weeks without them is quite honestly daunting, yet fascinating. The statistics on children’s smartphone use are beyond worrying, so the time feels absolutely right for the issue to be addressed.”

The Smartphone Problem in Schools

Smartphones have infiltrated nearly every part of young people’s lives, including schools. A recent Education Select Committee report revealed that one in four children now uses their phones in a manner resembling behavioural addiction, with 43% of teens admitting to using smartphones during lessons . The show explores the social, emotional, and academic consequences of this constant connectivity, especially through social media, where peer pressure and the need for validation often come into play.

During the experiment, Matt and Emma Willis will also meet experts such as Dr. Rangan Chatterjee to discuss the broader implications of smartphone use on children’s health and well-being. Dr. Chatterjee has long advocated for better regulation of technology use, stating:

“The increasing use of technology has insidiously crept into every part of our children’s lives, including their school life… This experiment is critically important to kick-start a national conversation about what is actually appropriate and helpful for our children.”

Could Lockabl Provide the Answer?

The findings of “Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones” will undoubtedly spark national conversations about how to manage phone use in schools. This is where Lockabl can offer a solution. Our Lockabl pouches provide a simple, secure way to limit mobile phone access during school hours, ensuring that students can focus on learning, social interaction, and mental well-being.

In the context of schools like The Stanway School, Lockabl pouches can be implemented to safely store students’ phones at the start of the day. This creates a controlled phone-free environment without removing personal ownership. Pupils can access their phones at the end of the school day, but during class, their attention is undivided, and they are free from distractions.

Using Lockabl also addresses key concerns raised in the documentary, including the impact of smartphone use on sleep and cognitive function. By restricting phone access during school hours, pupils can form healthier habits around when and how they use their devices.

The Benefits of Lockabl for Schools and Families

While the documentary takes a complete “cold turkey” approach, Lockabl provides a more flexible, practical option. For many schools and parents, a complete smartphone ban may not be feasible or necessary, but controlled use can be highly effective in improving focus, reducing anxiety, and promoting better social interactions.

At the end of the 21-day experiment, the pupils and presenters will reflect on how their relationship with their phones has changed. As Matt Willis expressed:

“We hope this experiment will spark change and have a lasting and positive impact on everyone.”

Lockabl can be the tool to support this lasting change. By offering a structured way to limit smartphone use during key parts of the day, schools and parents can help children build a healthier balance with technology, without the need for extreme measures.

Incorporating Lockabl into school policies, homes, or workplaces can ensure that everyone gets the benefits of connection when needed but can step away from their screens when focus and presence are paramount.

Ultimately, the key takeaway from “Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones” is that we need a collective effort to address the challenges posed by smartphones. Lockabl offers a simple, practical solution to help create spaces where people can reconnect with the world around them—without being tied to a screen.