The Bishop of Oxford has called for smartphone-free schools, as part of a debate on the impact of smart devices on young people.

Speaking in the House of Lords last week, Dr Steven Croft said that his diocese, which includes 285 church schools, is making efforts to inform young people about the risks associated with smartphones.

He acknowledged there is a “broad consensus… in favour of smartphone-free schools”, yet “not yet a final consensus on the next steps to be taken to bring this about.”  

Bishop Croft said he had visited a school in his diocese which has recently banned smartphones, resulting in “better behaviour overall, less bullying, and higher levels of concentration”.

He told the Lords the effects are “in turn translating into more learning, better relationships, healthier communities, and higher attainment.”

The bishop’s comments come months after a top Church of England School went ‘brick phone only’, in a bid to create a healthier relationship between young people and devices.