Phone-free classrooms: NI schools trial mobile ban to improve focus and mental health

Pictured at St Ronan’s College (L-R) are pupils Abigail, Dylan, Dylan, Jamie and Lucy with Principal Mrs Fiona Kane and Education Minister Paul Givan.

Education Minister Paul Givan has welcomed the start of a new phone-free pilot scheme in schools, which will involve more than 8,000 pupils across Northern Ireland.

The trial, running until March 2026, will restrict mobile phone use during the school day to explore the impact on student wellbeing, classroom focus, and academic achievement.

Nine post-primary schools are taking part, with five already beginning the pilot this September. The remaining four schools are due to join in the coming weeks.

Speaking during a visit to St Ronan’s College, Lurgan, one of the schools taking part, Mr Givan said:

“Since becoming Education Minister, I’ve taken time to carefully review the evidence and listen to the concerns of parents, teachers and school leaders about mobile phone use in schools.

“There is growing unease about the amount of time young people spend on smartphones, and research increasingly points to a link between excessive use and declining mental health among adolescents.

“In response, I committed to piloting a phone-free solution that would prevent pupils from using their devices during the school day—helping them to fully engage with learning, social interaction, and all aspects of school life.”

Pictured at the launch of the mobile phone-free pilot Education Minister Paul Givan with St Ronan’s College Key Stage 3 pupil Lucy.

The Minister added:

“Countries around the world are taking action to reduce phone use in schools. While some schools here in Northern Ireland have already introduced their own policies, I believe we need a consistent, evidence-based approach.

“This pilot will help us understand what works best and how we can support schools to make changes that benefit pupils—boosting wellbeing, focus and academic achievement.”

How the scheme works

The scheme uses lockable mobile phone pouches supplied by Odyssey Education, appointed in June 2025. Pupils will place their phones in a fabric pouch with a magnetic latch, sealed at the start of the school day and only unlocked when school finishes.

“This will ensure pupils cannot use their phones during the school day and will allow us to evaluate the impacts of reduced usage,” Mr Givan explained.

“I want to provide reassurance that flexibility will be provided for those students who need access to their smartphone during the school day, for reasons of health, disability or other needs.”

Independent evaluation

To assess the impact of the pilot, King’s College London has been commissioned to carry out an independent evaluation. Researchers will use surveys and focus groups with pupils, parents and staff to measure outcomes, with findings expected in June 2026.

Mr Givan concluded:

“This is a pilot initiative, and every aspect of using lockable pouches during the school day will be independently evaluated by King’s College London. Their research will help us understand the real impact of reduced phone use in schools.

“I encourage everyone involved—students, staff, and parents—to share their experiences openly and honestly over the coming months. I look forward to the valuable insights this review will bring, which will help shape future policy decisions.”

Schools taking part in the pilot

The nine schools selected from more than 50 expressions of interest are:

• Glenlola Collegiate, Bangor

• Friends’ School, Lisburn

• Hazelwood Integrated College, Belfast

• St Genevieve’s High School, Belfast

• St Joseph’s Boys’, Londonderry

• St Fanchea’s College, Enniskillen

• Larne High School

• Markethill High School

• St Ronan’s College, Lurgan

The Department of Education said the schools reflect a cross-section of types and locations, ensuring the trial provides a broad picture of how such restrictions might work across Northern Ireland.