Bristolian charity backs mobile phone ban in schools
Government phone ban policy set to begin in schools across Bristol and the UK
Schools across Bristol are set to implement a mobile phone ban for students as they return to classrooms this month.
This policy, which became statutory guidance on 29th June 2026, prohibits mobile phone use during the school day.
It is backed by Papaya, a Bristol-based charity dedicated to combating smartphone addiction among young adolescents.
Papaya, known as Parents Against Phone Addiction in Young Adolescents, believes removing smartphones from educational settings will significantly improve student well-being and promote meaningful social interactions.
Dr. Susie Davies, a Bristol GP and founder of Papaya, has been wanting this shift since 2018.
She told us: "We're witnessing an epidemic of mental health problems in young people, and there's growing evidence that smartphones contribute to this. I'm hopeful that we'll see a reduction in anxiety and an increase in socialisation among young people as a result of this ban"
She added: "Although the idea of not having smartphones in school may increase anxiety in the short term, once students adapt, they'll find the school day to be more straightforward, with more opportunities for social interaction that contribute to their overall happiness and health.
The initiative hopes to address rising mental health concerns like anxiety and depression, issues Papaya has been working to mitigate through education and political advocacy.
They say it will allow students to concentrate on their studies and form deeper connections with peers without the hindrance of smartphones.
As schools implement these changes, Papaya hopes to see positive outcomes in student welfare across the region.