The landmark decision is designed to tackle a growing list of challenges linked to smartphone use among young people: from online bullying and social media pressures to distraction and reduced focus in classrooms.
Enfield is set to become one of the first London boroughs to implement a wide-scale ban on smartphones in schools, in a bid to enhance learning, promote mental wellbeing, and create safer online habits among children.
Supported by Enfield Council, a total of 82 schools across the borough—including local authority, academy, independent, and special schools—have notified parents and carers of their plan to introduce smartphone-free environments for most year groups starting in September 2025. The landmark decision is designed to tackle a growing list of challenges linked to smartphone use among young people: from online bullying and social media pressures to distraction and reduced focus in classrooms.
Phones without apps the new normal
Schools have recommended that parents opt for “brick phones”—basic devices without internet access—or smartphones locked down to block web browsing and social media apps. The move follows mounting concerns from teachers, health experts, and local leaders that unrestricted smartphone access is hindering pupils’ development and wellbeing.
“Students should be able to focus on their education and be able to engage in the classroom without any unnecessary distractions caused by smartphone use.”
Abdul Abdullahi, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services
Councillor Abdul Abdullahi, Enfield’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, called on families to support the policy wholeheartedly. “The Council and schools cannot lead this fight alone,” he said. “We need full support from parents in the borough to ensure children are protected in the real world and online. Students should be able to focus on their education and engage in the classroom without unnecessary distractions.”
He added: “We highly encourage parents to delay giving their child a smartphone and access to social media at a young age. We want young people to flourish at school, and this policy supports that goal.”
The initiative is part of a broader strategy led by Enfield Council to ensure safe and responsible internet use. In recent years, the Council has also distributed its ‘Keep Your Child Safe Online’ guide to parents and carers, offering practical advice on how to help children navigate the digital world responsibly.
Schools win funding for climate action
In a separate but equally progressive development, several Enfield schools have been awarded over £87,000 in funding from the Greater London Authority’s Greener Schools programme. The pilot project aims to boost energy efficiency and sustainability in school estates by installing eco-friendly infrastructure and launching climate education initiatives.
Capel Manor Primary School, Durants School, and Garfield Primary School are among the schools selected to receive the grant, which will fund projects such as solar panel installations and energy-saving upgrades.
Rachel Carli, Headteacher at Durants School, welcomed the support: “As an Eco School, we are committed to supporting the health of our planet. We are delighted to have received grant funding from the Greener Schools Pilot, which will play a pivotal role in advancing the goals outlined in the Enfield Schools Climate Action Plan.”
Greener schools, greener borough
The initiative aligns with Enfield Council’s bold environmental commitments. After declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the council pledged to make the organisation carbon neutral by 2030, with the wider borough aiming for 2040.
Councillor Abdullahi said the GLA’s Greener Schools Grant marked meaningful progress. “This is a step towards achieving our strategic objectives on sustainability and the ambitions of our Climate Action Plan. We’re pleased to be one of the boroughs selected for this pilot programme, which will help pave the way to a greener future.”
Garfield School Headteacher David Joyce also welcomed the initiative: “We are thrilled to have received this grant. It will help us enhance energy efficiency and implement sustainable solutions such as solar PV. Promoting sustainability is fundamental to our partnership with the local council, and this initiative is a significant step toward a greener, more sustainable future for our community.”
Enfield leads by example
Whether tackling digital overload in the classroom or climate change in the playground, Enfield schools are positioning themselves at the forefront of social and environmental leadership. As both policies take root—from banning smartphones to harnessing the sun—the borough is sending a strong message: that education isn’t just about books and exams, but about preparing young people to thrive in a safer, smarter, and more sustainable world.
