Eton College Replaces Smartphones with Nokia 'Dumbphones' for New Students

The elite British boarding school aims to reduce distractions and improve student well-being with the new policy starting in September.

Incoming 13-year-old students must leave their smartphones at home and use Nokia phones capable only of calls and texts.
Parents were informed of the policy change via a letter from the school's deputy head, Mike Grenier.
The new rule builds on existing policies requiring younger students to hand over their devices overnight.
Eton College will also provide iPads for educational purposes while maintaining age-appropriate controls for other year groups.
The move reflects broader concerns about the impact of smartphones on mental health and classroom behavior.