Is low-tech the ultimate privilege? Taking teenagers offline at the world’s most famous school suggests that living without the internet is now a status symbol.
Eton bans smartphones for new pupils
Is low-tech the ultimate privilege? Taking teenagers offline at the world's most famous school suggests that living without the internet is now a status symbol.
Picture the scene. A billionaire is sitting on a yacht when her phone rings. She reaches into her pocket and pulls out a small plastic brick. The screen is black-and-white. The keyboard only has the numbers zero to nine. No maps, no apps, no internet explorer. There is not even a camera.
Perhaps this sounds unlikely. But more and more wealthy people are finding ways to disconnect. Companies have even started selling luxury "dumbphones" - with modern designs but basic functions - for hundreds of pounds.
Now Eton CollegeFounded in 1440 by Henry VI, Eton has taught many royal pupils including Prince William and Prince Harry., the all-boys boarding school famous for having educated Princes William and Harry as well as 20 former prime ministers, has banned smartphones for new pupils. Instead, they will be given a simple NokiaA Finnish multinational telecommunications company. It reached its height of fame with the famous "brick phone" in the 2000s. handset to make calls and send messages. This means they can stay in touch with their families, but not use apps or social media.
In a letter to parents, the school's deputy head explained the reasoning behind the decision. He recognised the importance of smartphones for teenagers' social lives, but warned about the risks of "overuse, and the impact on mental and physical health".1
Most state schools in the UK already forbid the use of phones during the day. But the fact that private schools like Eton are banning smartphones outside the classroom is important. It shows that, for the children of the wealthy, spending less time on screens is now a sign of privilege.
Statistics would support this argument. A 2019 study showed that children from affluentWealthy. families have more access to technology, but use it less often. Lower-income teenagers spent over 8.5 hours a day on smartphones, tablets and video games, compared with six hours and 49 minutes for their higher-income peers.2
Among younger age groups, the differences are even larger. This is because lower-income parents may not have the time or money to keep their children entertained with activities. As the headmaster of one state school explained: "Only middle-class families can pay £20 for an after-school football club."3
But smartphones can also benefit children. Education apps can help with everything from learning a language to solving maths problems. Meanwhile, maps and location tracking reassure parents that their child is safe.
Yes, there are reports of smartphones and social media damaging young people's mental health and socialisation skills. But, according to developmental psychologist Candice Odgers, the idea that digital technologies are causing "an epidemicA widespread disease or infection. of loneliness" is not supported by science.4
Smartphones and social media are new forms of technology. Scientists are still learning what impact they have on people's ability to learn and make friends. But we know that children and teenagers who spend time outdoors are healthier and happier than those who spend more time inside.5
Many teenagers worry that not having a smartphone will limit their social lives. But research suggests that shared experiences bring more joy than owning objects.6 The real privilege is spending time with other people, rather than sitting indoors and staring at a screen.
Is low-tech the ultimate privilege?
Yes: The fact that expensive private schools are banning smartphones shows that they do more harm than good. Lower-income families cannot afford to have low-tech lives.
No: The evidence on the effect of smartphones on young people is unclear. But education apps might help the children of lower income families to catch up with their more privileged peers.
Or... We know that young people who spend time outside with friends are more healthy and happy. That should be the focus for parents and schools, whatever their phone policy.
Eton College - Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, Eton has taught many royal pupils including Prince William and Prince Harry.
Nokia - A Finnish multinational telecommunications company. It reached its height of fame with the famous "brick phone" in the 2000s.
Affluent - Wealthy.
Epidemic - A widespread disease or infection.
Eton bans smartphones for new pupils

Glossary
Eton College - Founded in 1440 by Henry VI, Eton has taught many royal pupils including Prince William and Prince Harry.
Nokia - A Finnish multinational telecommunications company. It reached its height of fame with the famous "brick phone" in the 2000s.
Affluent - Wealthy.
Epidemic - A widespread disease or infection.