Exec Producer: Naomi Gayler

Boldprint Studios for Channel 4

Editor: Sean Schmolz

Swiped: The School that Banned Smartphones, is a bold new two-part documentary exploring the impact of smartphones on children. The series sets out to answer one big question: What happens when kids ditch their phones for three weeks?

Hosted by Matt and Emma Willis (yes, they’re giving up their phones too!), the show follows Year 8 students at The Stanway School in Colchester as they take part in a 21-day smartphone detox. Partnering with researchers from the University of York, the experiment tracks changes in sleep, mood, focus, and overall wellbeing, with experts closely monitoring the kids before, during, and after. To dig deeper, the show includes medical expert Dr Rangan Chatterjee and a range of scientists, campaigners, and politicians.

Sean Schmolz edited episode one which highlights the experiences of the students but also raises important questions about technology’s role in education.

Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones starts on Wednesday 11^th December at 8pm on Channel 4.