Forward Thinking Birmingham Makes Contribution To National Study Into Young People’s Smartphone Use
A member of our Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB) mental health team has been collaborating on important research to establish whether banning smartphones from schools makes a difference to young people’s wellbeing.
Dr Paul Patterson, FTB’s Deputy Director of Research and Public Mental Health Lead, worked with colleagues from the University of Birmingham on the SMART Schools study, which aims to establish which types of school phone policies are most supportive of pupil mental wellbeing.
The National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) funded study took place in 30 secondary schools, with year 8 and year 10 pupils. Researchers compared pupil mental wellbeing in schools that restrict phone use, with schools that permit phone use, for example allowing phones to be used at breaks and lunchtimes. They also measured mental health and behaviours associated with mental wellbeing, such as physical activity, sleep, attainment and classroom behaviour.