Smart device usage in school settings consultation

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is inviting young people, parents, carers, guardians and academic staff to take part in a consultation on the usage of smartphones and smart devices in school settings.

We are exploring whether developing guidance that supports limiting smartphone use during the school day could be beneficial for students. 

We are keen to understand and hear as many views as possible as part of this consultation and really encourage audiences to have their say by answering the short survey.

This survey is anonymous and confidential, responses cannot be identified and any contact details shared will only be used to provide updates about this consultation.

Closing date: Sunday 4 January 2025 at 11:59pm.

Why we are consulting 

For many students, smartphones and devices are part of everyday life, including in schools. As this is becoming much more normal, there is a growing conversation happening around the seen benefits and challenges about the use of these devices in education settings for students, as well as the impact they can have. 

While they can support learning and communication, they also raise questions about distraction, wellbeing and equity. That is why we have launched this consultation, to hear directly from you. 

This is an emotive topic that many people will have strong opinions on and one that as a Council we cannot ignore. Our aim is to support our young people to achieve the best outcomes possible for them and to do this, we need their input as well as their families and teachers.  

Whether you believe smartphones should be freely used in schools, restricted to certain times, or only accessed for specific reasons - your views are essential.

We want to understand the perspectives of local young people, families, teachers and academic staff so we can shape next steps that truly reflect our local community.  

This survey is anonymous and confidential. It is important to note that responses are not identifiable and any contact data shared will only be used to feedback on the consultation later.

Aims of the consultation

We want to:

• understand the benefits and challenges of smartphone use in schools
• explore best practices for managing devices in schools
• ensure equity and safety for all students
• provide feedback and understand to determine next steps

What will happen with your feedback

Any outcome following the conversation will be based on the feedback we have received collectively from young people, families, parents, partners, members of the public and teaching staff.

Our team will review the responses from all aspects of the consultation and collate findings to help shape what the next steps should be. 

It is important to note that we cannot implement statutory policies or guidance for schools, therefore any documents produced as an outcome of this consultation will be non-statutory guidance only.

This means that schools will have the option to utilise or embed the guidance as they wish, in a way that they see fit for their students and education setting.

Information from studies and books

Find out more about this topic:

• Social benefits of living in the metaverse
• The impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents and young adults
• Teens, screens, and social connection
• Introduction to the section on digital media and mental health
• Evidence on impact of social media and screen-use on young people's health
• What effects do mobile phones have on children and young people's mental health
• Screen time: impacts on education and wellbeing
• Secondary school smartphone policies in England

Last updated 24 November 2025