'It creates a safe place' - What these London schools have learned from going phone free
As national debate continues around banning mobile phones in schools, a London-based education leader working with some of the capital’s most vulnerable young people says the issue is being misunderstood.
Thomas Keaney, CEO and Founder of The Complete Education Solutions Group (TCES), which operates specialist schools supporting pupils with SEND and social, emotional and mental health needs across London, says phone-free schools are not about punishment or control, but about creating safe, focused environments where children can rebuild confidence and a sense of belonging.
“For years this has been framed as ‘ban phones or don’t’,” said Thomas. “But for the children we work with, this isn’t really about devices. It’s about the kind of space we create for them every day.”
TCES has operated phone-free schools for more than 15 years, long before the issue became a political talking point. The approach was introduced to remove the pressures many pupils face outside the classroom, from social media scrutiny and online conflict to constant comparison and fear of judgement.
“For many children, especially those who are neurodivergent or have experienced exclusion, school already feels like a place where they don’t belong,” Thomas explained. “A phone-free environment gives them rare relief from that pressure. It allows them to focus on learning, relationships and feeling safe enough to engage.”
Thomas says mobile phones often intensify anxiety, friendship breakdowns and safeguarding concerns, with issues following children home at night and back into school the next day. Removing phones from the school day helps protect pupils’ emotional wellbeing and keeps the focus on learning.
Importantly, he stresses that phone-free does not mean anti-technology.
“We provide laptops, digital qualifications and pathways into ICT, gaming and emerging technologies like AI,” he said. “Digital skills are essential, but digital competence doesn’t require a phone in a child’s hand all day.”
At TCES schools, clear routines and boundaries are paired with a strong sense of community. Pupils are encouraged to take on positive roles such as peer mentors and young leaders, helping them rediscover collaboration and shared purpose.
“In more than 15 years, we haven’t had a single student conflict caused by phones or social media,” Thomas added. “That’s not luck. It’s what happens when schools prioritise belonging and consistency.”
As councils, schools and parents across areas including Newham, Ealing, Hackney and Acton consider how best to support young people, Thomas believes local conversations need to move beyond headlines.
“The question isn’t whether phones should be banned,” he said. “It’s how we create school environments where every child feels they belong, especially those who’ve already been let down.”