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St Albans Schools Ban Smartphones, Boost Attention and Support

2/16/2026

50 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

In St Albans, Hertfordshire, primary schools including Cunningham Hill have banned smartphones for pupils under 14.
Head of Schools Matthew Tavender notes year 6 smartphone ownership fell from 68% to 7%, and the ban has improved attention.
Deputy head Paul Drummond says education on responsible phone use should accompany restrictions.
Sir Keir Starmer supports cracking down on children's smartphone use but says a government-led ban is unnecessary.

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Story summary

In St Albans, Hertfordshire, primary schools including Cunningham Hill have banned smartphones for pupils under 14.
Head of Schools Matthew Tavender notes year 6 smartphone ownership fell from 68% to 7%, and the ban has improved attention.
Deputy head Paul Drummond says education on responsible phone use should accompany restrictions.
Sir Keir Starmer supports cracking down on children's smartphone use but says a government-led ban is unnecessary.