A primary school in Bristol has banned smartphones among pupils after a startling incident in which a Year 6 student received 9,000 WhatsApp messages in just one night, raising alarm over children’s unsupervised digital activity.
The situation unfolded at Blackhorse Primary School when a student forgot to pick up their phone after submitting it in line with school policy.
By the next morning, the device had amassed thousands of messages from a class WhatsApp group within a span of 15 hours — a discovery that shocked both staff and parents.
In response, the school launched a review of its digital device policy, eventually deciding to implement a full smartphone ban.
Executive Headteacher Simon Botten said the incident highlighted how many parents underestimate the scale of digital risks children face.
“We tend to think children are safer online than they are out in the world — but increasingly, it’s the opposite,” he remarked.
The move came after a session with local police officers about online safety, which prompted school leaders to open discussions with parents.
An overwhelming 90% of parents backed the decision to ban smartphones altogether.
While the ban prevents children from bringing smartphones to school, pupils are still allowed to carry basic mobile phones with limited functionality — often referred to as “brick phones” — strictly for calls and texts.
Botten explained that the new policy is designed to reduce digital peer pressure and postpone the age at which children begin engaging with smartphones and social media.
He said the goal is to create a safer and more focused learning environment free from online distractions.
