Eton College, a prestigious private boarding school, is making headlines for its new policy requiring students to use basic Nokia phones instead of smartphones. This decision, set to take effect in September 2024, has sparked a debate on whether it is a downgrade or a nod to nostalgia.
Eton College, known for educating world leaders and royalty, has a long list of distinguished alumni, including Princes William and Harry, George Orwell, Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Boris Johnson, and David Cameron. The school’s new policy follows UK government guidance and aims to create a more focused and less distracted learning environment.
While many students may see this as a step back from their modern smartphones, Eton believes it is a necessary move. The school will provide basic Nokia phones to students, which can only make calls and send simple text messages. In addition to these ‘brick’ phones, students entering Year 9 will receive school-issued iPads to support their academic work.
The decision to switch to basic phones marks a significant shift in Eton’s approach to technology. Previously, the school required first-year students to hand over their smartphones overnight. By limiting the use of smartphones during school hours, Eton aims to address the challenges technology poses while still leveraging its benefits in education.
According to the UK government’s communications regulator, Ofcom, nearly all children have their own cellphone by age 12, highlighting the widespread use of mobile devices among young people. Eton’s new policy aligns with broader trends in education to minimize the impact of technology during school hours.
While some may question the effectiveness of this move, Eton is committed to evaluating and adjusting its policies to provide the best educational experience for its students. The school’s decision reflects a growing awareness of the need to strike a balance between technology use and academic focus in today’s digital age.
In a world where smartphones have become ubiquitous, Eton’s embrace of basic Nokia phones may seem like a step back in time. However, the school’s emphasis on creating a more focused learning environment speaks to a larger conversation about the role of technology in education. By prioritizing academic engagement over constant connectivity, Eton is paving the way for a new approach to learning in the digital era.