Eton College, one of the world’s most prestigious private boarding schools, has introduced a new policy requiring incoming students to use basic Nokia devices instead of smartphones. Known for educating world leaders and royalty, Eton’s alumni are known as Old Etonians and include Princes William and Harry, novelist George Orwell, actors Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston, and recent prime ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron.
In response to UK government guidance, new students starting in September 2024 will have to leave their smartphones at home and transfer their SIM cards to offline Nokia phones provided by the school. These basic phones can only make calls and send basic text messages, a stark contrast to the multi-functional smartphones most students are used to.
The decision highlights a significant change in the school’s approach to technology. Previously, Eton’s policy required first-year students to hand in their smartphones at night. The new rules are part of an ongoing effort to balance the benefits and challenges that technology brings to the educational environment.
More focused, less distracted
In addition to the “brick” phone for use outside of school hours, students entering third grade (the equivalent of freshman year of high school in the US) receive a school-provided iPad to support their academic work.
The UK government’s communications regulator, Ofcom, reports that 97% of children own their own mobile phone by the age of 12, highlighting the ubiquity of mobile devices among young people. By enforcing this new policy, Eton aims to create a more focused and less distracting learning environment, in line with wider educational trends to limit the impact of technology during school hours.
While this move may seem like a step backwards for many students accustomed to modern smartphones, Eton believes it is a necessary step. However, the college adds that it will continue to review and adapt its policies to provide its students with the best possible educational experience.
