Pinterest rolls out in-app prompt to discourage phone distractions in UK schools

British teenagers say they need help in school. Not just with their classwork, but with their mobile phones. According to new data, 57 per cent want to better manage their time spent on devices.

In time for the new school year, Pinterest will help British teens in the form of a new in-app prompt. The prompt encourages teens to close the company’s app during school hours and turn off all device notifications. 

The launch comes at a crucial time, with teens spending an average of five hours per day on their phones. Nine-in-10 teenagers feel their phone gets in the way of being present or spending time engaging in real-life experiences and 54 per cent believe excessive phone use is as dangerous, or worse than eating junk food all day and not wearing suncream. 

CEO of Pinterest, Bill Ready, said: “In the classroom, students need the opportunity to learn without the constant distraction of apps on their phones. Limiting the use of phones in schools is a topic more prevalent than ever amongst educators and government, but to be truly effective, tech companies need to be part of the solution. 

“Pinterest is setting out to support students, parents and teachers, who should not shoulder the responsibility alone.”

Pinterest tested the prompt in the US and Canada earlier this year, becoming the first platform to introduce such measures. Over 1.3 million students viewed and clicked on the prompt in less than one month.

The biggest challenges teens face when taking a break from their phones are boredom and a fear of missing out. Encouragingly, almost 40 per cent say prompts to remind them to pause would help them manage their screen time.

Mark Rowland, chief executive of Mental Health Foundation, said: “We welcome the introduction of this measure by Pinterest. Digital platforms can offer opportunities for creativity, connection and self-expression. But they should be used in ways that support, rather than undermine mental health. 

“As a society, we are still in the process of establishing where the boundaries should lie when it comes to technology, and what healthy and unhealthy use looks like. But one thing is clear – school should be a place for learning and developing real-world relationships with peers. We call on other tech companies to follow Pinterest’s lead in making their own responsible contributions to protecting the mental health of our children and young people.”