BBC News — Education

School Phone Bans Not Enough to Cut Screen Time Alone, Researchers Say

A University of Birmingham study reveals that strict smartphone bans in secondary schools improve in‑class concentration but do not curb overall screen time, as pupils often shift usage to evenings at home. The research shows restrictive policies can worsen sleep patterns and physical activity, while permissive approaches may reduce feelings of isolation but increase classroom distractions. Both bans and lenient rules fail to eliminate online bullying or conflicts, merely moving them to different contexts. Policymakers advocating statutory bans must therefore consider broader, cross‑environment strategies.