Teachers’ Testimony: the truth from the classroom
Smartphone Free Childhood’s new Teachers’ Testimony project gives educators a safe, anonymous way to speak about what they’re seeing every day – the impact of smartphones on pupils’ focus, friendships, and wellbeing.
The silence in the staffroom
Teachers are on the frontline – they’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of smartphones on young lives. They see the changes unfolding every day: the shifts in attention, the strains on friendships, the quiet loss of focus and play.
But they can’t speak publicly about what’s happening in schools.
This silence means many parents simply don’t know – helping to keep smartphones in classrooms, and in childhood.
We think it’s time that changed.
Why this project matters
Teachers’ Testimony is a new initiative from the Smartphone Free Childhood Schools Network, designed to give teachers a safe, anonymous space to speak truthfully about what’s happening in their classrooms.
Because every week, more and more educators tell us the same thing:
“I’ve never known such a change in pupils’ focus and mood.”
“It’s heartbreaking to see what's become normalised for them online.”
“We’re firefighting problems that didn’t exist ten years ago.”
Teachers voices matter now more than ever.
These stories are powerful – and they deserve to be heard.
By collecting testimonies from teachers across the UK, we aim to build a picture that is both truthful and undeniable. Not a media spin or a political line – just the real view from the classroom.
Messages from the frontline
These are real messages teachers are sending us – stories they can’t share publicly, but can’t stay silent about either.
“I dealt with two children sending nudes to each other. They were in Year 6. Their parents had no idea. Police were called. Both now have a record for sending indecent images of a minor. They were ten.”
Primary teacher, Hertfordshire
“I’ve seen bullying so vicious it beggars belief. Year 7 girls making fake Snapchat accounts in their victim’s name – posting as her, apologising for how ugly she is. Explicit material shared to over 100 students.”
Secondary teacher, Cambridgeshire
“When you walk past a classroom with no teacher, there’s silence. Same at the bus stops, corridors, canteen. Pupils talk through their phones instead of real life – it’s heartbreaking.”
Secondary teacher, Scotland
“Students who don’t have smartphones until later are noticeably less anxious. Their focus and academic curiosity are stronger. They care less about what others think.”
Secondary teacher, Oxfordshire
What we’re asking
We’re inviting teachers, teaching assistants, and school staff to share their experiences – completely anonymously.
You might want to tell us about:
⚡ The impact of smartphones or social media on your pupils’ learning, confidence, or relationships
⚡ Safeguarding incidents that left you shocked or frustrated
⚡ The differences you’ve noticed between children who are heavy phone users and those who aren’t
⚡ Changes over time in pupils’ ability to focus, play, or talk to each other face-to-face
We’re not asking for data, research, or polished writing – just the truth as you see it.
You don’t need to name individuals or schools. In fact, we ask you not to include real names or identifying details, to protect privacy.
We’ll simply ask for your region and type of school, so we can start to understand the bigger national picture.
What will happen with your stories
Each testimony will be read and handled with care. We may publish selected quotes (without names or identifying details) in our upcoming reports, newsletters, and campaigns – always anonymously, and always with respect for the teachers who shared them.
The aim isn’t to shame or alarm. It’s to tell the truth, so that change can begin from a place of honesty.
Over time, this project will help to:
- Give parents a clear, grounded picture of what’s really happening in schools.
- Support school leaders and policymakers in making informed decisions about phone use.
- Strengthen the growing national movement for phone-free schools.
Why your voice matters
Teachers are among the most trusted voices in society. When you speak, people listen – but right now, too many of you are being asked to stay silent about something that matters deeply.
Your testimony could help shift that.
By adding your story, you’ll help parents, journalists, and policymakers understand that the challenges around smartphones in childhood aren’t abstract – they’re real, daily, and already affecting learning, relationships, and mental health.
This is about telling the truth, together. Because once enough teachers speak, no one will be able to say “everything is fine – nothing to see here”.
Join the movement
The Teachers’ Testimony project is part of a wider national effort – the Smartphone Free Childhood Schools Network – bringing together educators who want to rethink how phones fit into school life.
From policy templates to community support, we’re working with schools across the UK to help make phone-free environments the new normal.
But we can’t do it without you.
If you work in education and have seen first-hand the impact of smartphones on children, we’d love to hear from you.
Share your story today.
It only takes a few minutes – and it could help change the future of childhood.
[.style-link]Submit your anonymous testimony here →[.style-link]
