Fareham teenager's convincing arguments as she wants mobile phones banned from all schools

Following approval at a meeting of the full council on February 20, the authority will now write to Hampshire County Council — which holds responsibility for education and children’s services — asking it to introduce a ban in all of the county’s schools.

Councillors heard from 15-year-old Fareham student Poppy Nestor, who spoke about her experience of living without a smartphone.

She said many teenagers think giving up their phones sounds “unnecessary or even silly”, but she believes being offline has helped her build stronger friendships, improve her social skills and grow in confidence — particularly when speaking in public.

She said: “There’s a clear difference in confidence. I really hope a ban that restricts social media would help children gain that self-confidence.”

Addressing concerns about safety, including children travelling to and from school without a phone, Poppy said that a mobile device does not guarantee protection.

“The first thing someone would do is take the phone,” she said, suggesting alternatives such as trackers could offer reassurance without exposing children to the risks of smartphones.

While acknowledging that enforcing a ban would not be easy and that some pupils may attempt to bypass restrictions, she said it would be a step in the right direction.

She said: “I believe this ban is the first step towards protecting society. It is a ban for the people.

“Even if there is some temporary backlash, it is the best thing to do right now to help children grow and thrive.

“Sometimes the best choice isn’t an easy one, but it is the necessary one.”

Proposing the motion, Councillor Frair Burgess said she felt compelled to act “in the interests of the health and safety of children and young people in Fareham”.

“This is not about resisting technology. It is about responding responsibly to the evidence.”

She pointed to national data showing that one in five children aged eight to 16 in England are estimated to have a probable mental health disorder, with higher rates among older teenage girls.

Cllr Burgess also referenced findings from the Children’s Commissioner for England, which indicate that children can access harmful material online within minutes of opening a social media account.

She said: “That tells us that current safeguards are simply not working.”

She added that heavy social media use has been linked to anxiety, depression, sleep problems and low self-esteem, and warned that late-night phone use can affect sleep, with knock-on effects for both wellbeing and academic performance.

She added: “We restrict alcohol, we restrict gambling, we restrict driving — not because we underestimate young people, but because we understand risk and developmental readiness.

“Social media platforms are not passive. They are algorithm-driven systems designed to maximise engagement.”

Speaking about the situation in schools, she said that where stricter phone policies have been introduced, there have been reports of improved outcomes and reductions in bullying.

In addition, teachers consistently report that phones distract from learning, enable real-time bullying and create safeguarding challenges.

She added: “Removing personal mobile phones does not isolate children — it protects the learning environment.”

Councillor Pal Hayre supported the motion, describing it as “fundamental” to ensuring children have a safe, calm and focused learning environment.

“As council members, and as parents who care about the next generation, we cannot ignore what is happening.”

Across the borough, she said, parents consistently raise concerns about disruption, anxiety and social pressure linked to mobile phones. Teachers report lessons being interrupted, pupils’ attention diverted and behaviour issues fuelled by online activity.

“Young people themselves have honestly admitted that constant social media can be overwhelming.

“If we know that phones are harming children’s ability to learn, to socialise and to feel safe at school, why on earth would we allow them to remain in classrooms?”

The council voted to write to Hampshire County Council urging it to show leadership by implementing a county-wide ban and responding robustly to Government consultations on the issue.