Swipe Up or Switch Off? Students Join the Debate on Smartphone Use in Schools

Year 12 students explore smartphone use and mental health at the Mohn Centre and Place2Be event.

On Tuesday 30 September, the Mohn Centre for Children’s Health and Wellbeing at Imperial College London and mental health charity Place2Be welcomed a Year 12 chemistry class from Ark Burlington Danes Academy for an engaging and thought-provoking event exploring young people’s smartphone use and the impact on health.

“It made me realise that using any phone seems harmless at first but through consistent use it is detrimental.” Year 12 student

The visit formed part of the “Swipe Up or Switch Off?” project, led by Dr Rachel Smith, Mohn Research Fellow in Population Child Health, which aims to understand how smartphone and social media use affects young people’s health and wellbeing - and what can be done about it. With public concern growing and strong opinions on all sides, the project seeks to build a much-needed evidence base to shape future research proposals that can rigorously evaluate what actually works and to inform decisions by young people, parents, schools, and policymakers.

Throughout the day, students took part in a series of interactive activities designed to spark discussion and critical thinking, some highlights include:

• Agree/disagree debates using a giant inflatable mobile phone
• Poster-making on the positives and negatives of smartphone use and its impact on health
• A lively debate on whether smartphones should be banned in schools, with questions from the audience including Professor Mireille Toledano, Director of the Mohn Centre
• A presentation on research methods by Dr Rachel Smith
• Students developing their own research proposals to tackle smartphone-related challenges in schools

The event also welcomed Dame Marit Mohn and Robert Westlake, whose generous support helps fund initiatives that promote young people’s health and wellbeing including the Mohn Centre and Place2Be.

Student feedback highlighted the event’s impact:

• “It made me realise that using any phone seems harmless at first but through consistent use it is detrimental.”
• “Research looks at the problem and solution through a wider scope than I thought.”
• “I should socialise more and refrain from relying on my 5G cellular device.”
• “I understand how big a part smartphones play not only in mental health but also education.”
• “I would reduce my time on social media and connect with the outside world more.”

"I would reduce my time on social media and connect with the outside world more." Year 12 student

This collaboration between the Mohn Centre and Place2Be is part of a broader effort to centre young people’s voices in research and policy, ensuring that future interventions are grounded in real-world experiences and evidence.

Dr Rachel Smith, Mohn Centre Research Fellow in Population Child Health, said;

“It was such a pleasure to welcome the students from Ark Burlington Danes Academy and see them engage so thoughtfully with the topic. Young people are at the heart of the debate about smartphones and social media and wellbeing, so it’s absolutely vital that their voices shape the research and solutions. Events like this show just how insightful and creative young people can be when given the opportunity to contribute.”

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About Place2Be and Burlington Danes: Place2Be and Ark Burlington Danes Academy have worked in partnership for over eight years, delivering tailored mental health support to students, parents, and staff. With a dedicated School Project Manager on site five days a week, Place2Be plays a key role in fostering a whole-school approach to wellbeing across the Ark network.