The Press Screening
On Tuesday 3rd December, staff and students from The Stanway School were invited down to the Science Gallery in King’s College, London, to be a part of the official Press Screening for SWIPED: The School That Banned Smartphones. The press would get a chance to view the whole of the first episode before a panel discussion, hosted by Giovanna Fletcher, where guests could ask questions of the presenters and experts.
We were lucky to have been invited for a sneak peak at this fascinating series. We laughed and we cried – it’s not to be missed! Head of School, John Player, explained to a panel of experts and the UK press why we felt compelled to take part in the documentary series: “In education, we have an anecdotal understanding of how Smartphones have influenced young people’s lives, but this experiment gives us a chance to scientifically explore just how much these devices are impacting upon their mental health, their relationships and their education.”
At the press screening, phones were described as ‘dangerous’ by Channel 4’s Head of News and Current Affairs, while Emma Willis was reduced to tears when she recounted the story of Bradley’s suicide. Attendees were also encouraged to place their own phones in a box during the screening to immerse themselves in the show.
In attendance at the screening were representatives from all the major newspapers, social influencers, guests from campaign groups, such as the Smartphone Free Movement. In addition, new Labour MP Josh MacAlister, who has been calling for the government to make legal changes to make social media and smartphones less addictive for children, was also in attendance. The former teacher introduced his Safer Phones Bill in October which has received backing from cross-party MPs as well as education unions, charities and current and former children’s commissioners.
Meanwhile, Dr Rangan received a thunderous round of applause after he made an impassioned plea for the government to do something about social media and smartphones. Speaking about the devastating consequences smartphone addiction can have, he explained: ‘Studies show they [children who are addicted to their phones] are losing grey matter which controls how the brain processes information and makes decisions. This pattern is similar to what we see in people with substance abuse or addiction problems.’
The press reactions to the first episode of the documentary were heartwarming to see, with many guests laughing, crying and outraged at various points throughout the show. The press embargo was lifted on 9th December and then, very quickly, the hype around the show and the impact that it may have has been building. See the media links section below to read some of the articles that have been written about the show.
(From L to R): Emma Willis, Scarlett, Harry, Jessica, Miles, Matt Willis & Dr Rangan Chatterjee at the London Press Screeening for SWIPED: The School That Banned Smartphones, Tuesday 3rd December 2024.
