Smartphones have become a normal part of modern life but in primary schools their impact is raising serious concerns. A new 2025 survey by The Conversation Stamford, of over 200 primary school staff across the East Midlands has revealed overwhelming agreement that smartphones are harming children’s wellbeing, learning, and relationships.
The findings provide a stark picture: pupils are getting phones younger than ever, and the consequences are being felt in classrooms every day. From tiredness and anxiety, to friendship conflicts and exposure to inappropriate content, teachers are witnessing challenges in the classroom that originate from screentime use at home.
So what exactly did staff say, and what does it mean for school leaders?
Key Findings from the Survey
1. Widespread agreement that smartphones are harmful
Over 9 in 10 staff (91%) believe smartphones are having a negative impact on primary pupils. This professional consensus highlights a deep unease about children’s early exposure to digital independence.
2. Children are getting smartphones younger
90% of staff reported pupils being given smartphones at increasingly early ages, sometimes even before starting school. Teachers noted that even nursery-aged children are arriving with devices or frequent access to their parents’ phones.
3. Anxiety and emotional wellbeing under strain
A striking 93% of teachers have seen more children showing symptoms of anxiety, often linked to online interactions and group chats. Staff described children feeling pressure to keep up digitally, while lacking the emotional maturity to manage these dynamics.
4. Sleep and focus are being disrupted
91% observed reduced concentration in class, while 79% noticed children arriving tired due to late-night screen use. Teachers connected this with unsupervised access at home, affecting learning readiness and behaviour.
5. Exposure to inappropriate content is common
74% of staff said pupils had encountered unsuitable material online, and 69% reported an increase in sexualised language and behaviour. Teachers noted children repeating terms and ideas far beyond their years, often rooted in online culture.
6. Friendships are increasingly shaped by digital conflicts
77% of staff reported peer difficulties linked to smartphones, and 67% said they regularly deal with related incidents. Disputes from group chats and online bullying frequently spill into the classroom, sometimes escalating to police involvement.
7. Overwhelming opposition to smartphones in primary schools
An almost unanimous 93% of educators agreed that primary-aged children should not own smartphones. This highlights a strong call for clearer boundaries and collective action between schools, parents, and policymakers.
What This Means for Schools
The message from staff is clear: smartphones are entering children’s lives too early, and without enough safeguards. While schools are working hard on online safety education, teachers feel they are often left to manage the fallout from issues that begin at home. This survey reflects a growing need for shared responsibility. Digital habits formed in childhood shape emotional resilience, relationships, and readiness to learn. Schools cannot tackle this alone, they need support from families and broader policy is essential.
Practical Tips for School Leaders
To respond proactively, here are six suggested actions for school leaders:
- Invest in staff training – Equip teachers with strategies and confidence to address the challenges smartphones bring to school life.
- Review policies regularly – Ensure mobile phone and device policies are clear, consistent, and well-communicated across your school community.
- Engage parents directly – Run workshops and share practical resources to help families set healthy digital boundaries at home.
- Promote healthy routines – Provide guidance on sleep hygiene and encourage parents to limit late-night screen time.
- Embed digital wellbeing into learning – Go beyond e-safety by teaching pupils about balance, boundaries, and respectful online behaviour.
- Stay alert to pastoral issues – Train staff to spot signs of anxiety, fatigue, or friendship breakdowns and how digital technology may be contributing.
Final thoughts on smartphones
This research makes one thing clear: primary pupils are facing pressures that previous generations never had to navigate. By taking a whole-school approach, and working hand-in-hand with parents, school leaders can be at the forefront of creating a better digital culture; prioritising the wellbeing of the children and young people in their community as they navigate our digital world.
You can read the whole report here: https://www.theconversationstamford.co.uk/pdf/school-report.pdf
If you work in a school and would like to explore how your school can strengthen digital wellbeing and support pupils effectively, book a free consultation with The Conversation team today. Contact: talktous@theconversationstamford.co.uk
