Online Video Recording: Screens & Childhood

A video of our fireside talk evening with Sophie Winkleman and Clare Fernyhough on one of the most pressing issues of this generation: the impact of smartphones and technology in education on children.

We challenged our speakers to identify the key issues and where possible offer practical solutions, offering advice to parents and school leaders. The audience was made up of many local headteachers and school leaders, parents, Victoria Collins MP and Baroness Kate Rock. A wide range of views were represented.

In May 2024 St Albans announced its intention to become the first UK city to go smartphone free for all children under 14 years old. This made Gorhambury, St Albans the ideal venue to welcome nationally esteemed campaigners Clare and Sophie.Following the talk many local secondary schools have amended their smartphone policies - schools who have announced a change to brick phone only from year 7 include St Albans School, St Albans High School for Girls. St George's School in Harpenden, Ashlyn's School in Berkhamsted and Sandringham School are moving to an immediate brick phone policy for years 7-9.

Clare Fernyhough is a psychologist, behaviour change expert and a founding partner of the Smartphone Free Childhood (SFC) movement.

Sophie is an advocate and one of the most prominent and articulate voices against the pervasive introduction of Educational Technology (Ed Tech) into primary and secondary school classrooms.

PLEASE NOTE: Although when you checkout through the pay now link you will be asked to select a date and time, this is only for the purchase of the video link, once you have the link you will be able to watch it until 31st December 2026, at any time of day and on repeat. After paying for the video you will receive a link which will allow you to watch the video.