I'm CEO Of A Youth Charity. Banning Smartphones In Schools Isn't Enough

The author (left) and a teen using a smartphone (right)The Netflix drama Adolescence has sparked intense conversations among parents, offering a raw visual depiction of how social media is affecting teens.The show – about a 13-year-old boy who is arrested on suspicion of murdering his classmate – doesn’t just entertain, it forces us to confront a digital epidemic that has quietly seeped into the lives of our children.The four-part series touches on a range of themes, from struggling school systems and family dynamics, to masculinity and the rise of online misogyny.Looking at the impact of male role models, recent research by Movember revealed 61% of young men in the UK regularly engage with masculinity influencers like Andrew Tate.Radical views from content creators can spread easily online, landing on the feeds of often isolated, or struggling, young men.According to the Centre for Social Justice, the number of young males not in education, employment, or training has jumped by 40%, compared to just 7% among females. It’s easy for these young men to be increasingly drawn into the manosphere.Psychologist Jon Haidt’s 2024 book The Anxious Generation explains this phenomenon well. As kids spend more time on screens and less outdoors, many young men are growing up socially underdeveloped and vulnerable to online extremism.And yet, while the public debates banning smartphones in schools, many ofthese boys remain isolated in their bedrooms, far from the eyes of educators (or their parents).Haidt’s work has helped shift the spotlight onto Big Tech and the broader harms of digital dependency. Since the 2010s – at the peak of social media adoption for many – self harm, eating disorders and suicide have skyrocketed. Haidt argues the correlation between the two.While movements like Smartphone Free Childhood have given parents a sense of control with their ‘smartphone free schools’ campaign and neatly packaged pacts, though well-intentioned and hugely impressive, I’m of the opinion that the idea of simply removing devices from children is overly simplistic.What needs to change?We need practical, inclusive solutions. Different families face different challenges. Single parents, low-income households, the SEND community, and marginalised groups all require tailored approaches.While I support delaying access to social media until age 16, I can also recognise that a 12-year-old LGBTQ+ child might find critical emotional support online. Their safety offline must be a priority too.Another often-overlooked factor is parental behaviour. Many adults are glued to their own screens – checking emails during meals, doom-scrolling into the night – while asking kids to unplug.If we want children to adopt healthier habits, we’ve got to first examine and improve our own – and education around that must be engaged.Shame also clouds this discussion. Parents with under-14s already using smartphones often feel they’ve failed. But Big Tech sold us a false sense of safety.Now, instead of blaming ourselves, we need to focus on how to help our children reclaim balance and teach younger generations to start off on the right foot.What young people are sayingMost crucial of all is that we listen to the people most affected: young people. Beyond’s Youth Board, made up of 10- to 25-year-olds, offered valuable insights.When asked what age social media use should begin, most said 12 or 13. As an advocate for “delay until 16”, I was initially horrified. But their honesty is crucial to this debate.Freya, 14, believes social media can improve social skills and learning. Gabs, 16, adds that starting earlier offers more time to teach safe usage.While they acknowledge social media’s addictive nature – many say it replaces real-life joy, friendships, and self-worth – they also believe it’s not all bad. Freya values being able to explore topics school or parents won’t cover. Gabs calls on adults to stop judging and start understanding.Their message is clear: trust us, but make these platforms safer, and teach us how to use them responsibly.How do we support kids and teens? Gabs says relatable education is key: “Hearing from Gen Z peers is far more effective than a teacher with a PowerPoint.” That’s where movements like Flippgen matter – initiatives that promote bridging the intergenerational gap.Beyond trustee Jeremy Lyons sums it up well: “Young people are exposed to harmful content long before they understand its context. Their interpretation depends on their environment. That’s why one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work. We need co-created, inclusive approaches.”We need a youth-informed, inclusive response that tackles root causes, not just symptoms.Banning smartphones in schools is only part of the answer. Real change happens outside the classroom too.Because let’s be honest – once that school bell rings, it’s dopamine time.Louisa Rose is CEO of Beyond and the founder of Now and Beyond – a free, national mental health festival for the educational community. She is also a former social media consultant and the mother of two boys. Related...Do Parents Actually Want Kids Watching Adolescence In School?'It's Triggering': UK Teachers Weigh In On Adolescence’s School EpisodeI'm A Headteacher. I Don't Think Adolescence Should Be Shown In Schools

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