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Eton College, one of the U.K.\u2019s most prestigious schools, has decided to ban its pupils from using smartphones on campus<\/a> \u2013 a policy shift that has been seen as archaic by some, and nostalgic by others.<\/p>\n According to the school, students turning 14 during the school year will be provided with Nokia<\/a> \u2018brick\u2019 phones, which are limited to calling and texting.<\/p>\n This change, which affects students who can expect to pay \u00a349,000 ($64,000) annually in tuition, was communicated to parents through a letter. The school suggested children should swap their SIM cards into these school-issued devices.<\/p>\n The new regulations build on an existing policy that requires younger students, specifically those in their first three years, to relinquish their electronic devices overnight. The school believes that these measures will lessen distractions in the classroom and improve behavior.<\/p>\n A spokesperson for Eton supported the school\u2019s approach to technology, stating, \u201cEton routinely reviews our mobile phone and devices policy to balance the benefits and challenges that technology brings to schools.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom September those joining in Year 9 will receive a \u2018brick\u2019 phone for use outside the school day, as well as a school-issued iPad to support academic study. Age-appropriate controls remain in place for other year groups.\u201d<\/p>\n Really like this approach to smart phone usage for students at Eton.<\/p>\n They\u2019re exchanging every students smartphone for a Nokia \u2018dumb phone\u2019 which they\u2019ll use during term times, starting in September. pic.twitter.com\/g9XYmjWO9P<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Zoe Scaman (@zoescaman) July 5, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Eton College, located in the town of Windsor just west of London, was founded nearly 600 years and is renowned for its alumni, which includes 20 British prime ministers like Boris Johnson and David Cameron, as well as notables such as Princes William and Harry, writer George Orwell, James Bond creator Ian Fleming, and actor Eddie Redmayne.<\/p>\n Mike Grenier, Eton\u2019s deputy head, wrote to the parents of new boarders saying that their child\u2019s smartphone should be taken home after its SIM card is transferred to a school-issued Nokia handset.<\/p>\n He said: \u201cWhen used responsibly and in moderation, [smartphones] can be a key part of life for the modern teenager and can create positive social networks and give access to news and views from around the world.<\/p>\n \u201cHowever, despite these positives, there are also associated challenges and potential areas for concern, especially around socialisation, misuse and overuse and the impact on both mental and physical health.\u201d The school said \u201cage-appropriate controls remain in place for other year groups\u201d.<\/p>\n The move is not unique to Eton, with other institutions like Alleyn\u2019s, Brighton College, and Thomas\u2019s also implementing similar restrictions on smartphone usage.<\/p>\n The Labour Party recently expressed an \u201copen-minded\u201d stance on potentially banning social media for children, aligning with a report<\/a> from the Education Select Committee which stressed the \u201cserious dangers\u201d associated with smartphone usage by youngsters. The report reiterated the disproportionate risks<\/a> versus benefits of increased screen time among children and teens.<\/p>\n In May, the committee suggested that the next government should consider a ban on smartphones for those under 16, citing disturbing trends in how these devices are affecting youth. Robin Walker, chairman of the committee, pointed out the \u201cextensive damage\u201d being caused by excessive use of these devices among young people. The report also revealed that about one in four children exhibit phone usage patterns that resemble addiction.<\/p>\n Amidst these concerns, the Nokia 3210 was reintroduced in May<\/a> to celebrate its 25th anniversary, with Human Mobile Devices (HMD) branding it as a \u201ccultural icon.\u201d The relaunch aims to cater to the growing demand for simpler, less addictive devices as part of a broader digital detox trend.<\/p>\n The updated 3210 now features a two-megapixel camera, supports 4G calling, and retains the classic game Snake, priced at \u00a374.99.<\/p>\n Guess what’s making a comeback? The iconic Nokia 3210!\u2063\n
Concerns over smartphone usage in schools<\/h2>\n
Which Nokia phone could be introduced to schools?<\/h2>\n
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Remember when your phone\u2019s battery would last for days? Well, we’re bringing those days back. Get ready to go retro with a modern twist! #Nokia3210<\/a>https:\/\/t.co\/S7QOlW0XJN<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/oy1w42ZaRX<\/a><\/p>\n