During my election campaign, I pledged to work with teachers and parents to protect young people from the harms of smartphones and social media. I’m proud to share that from September, 103 primary schools in Barnet will no longer allow smartphones on their premises, and 23 secondary schools have committed to phasing them out entirely.  

This is a significant step towards ensuring children can focus on learning, socialising, and developing in a healthier environment, free from the distractions and risks that smartphones can bring. There is a growing body of evidence which shows the impact smartphone and social media use can have on a child’s mental health, sleep, learning and performance. 

I’m incredibly grateful to Smartphone Free Childhood and dedicated educators across Barnet who have helped make this possible. Their commitment to prioritising children’s safety and wellbeing has been instrumental in this initiative.  

This is just the beginning. I will continue working with schools, parents, and policymakers to expand this effort and create a supportive environment for young people to thrive. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please get in touch.