A primary school in Kent has banned smartphones after pupils as young as seven reported online bullying and disturbing content.

Cheriton Primary School, near Folkestone, introduced the ban at the start of the school year. The move followed growing concern among staff and parents about how phones were affecting pupils’ behaviour, wellbeing and sleep.

Head teacher Sophia Dover said she had no choice but to act after several children arrived at school in tears, upset about messages and images shared online the night before.

The decision to ban smartphones follows new guidance from the UK government last year, which gave schools the power to restrict or remove phones altogether. Ministers said mobile devices were often a distraction and could be harmful to learning.

At the same time, some parent groups are calling for a UK-wide “smartphone-free childhood”, urging families to delay giving smartphones to under-16s.

Asked if she supports a national ban, Ms Dover said: “Absolutely. Children shouldn’t have to suddenly mature to deal with things they’re seeing online. We just need to learn how to use the internet safely.”