From Fox News · Stephanie Nolasco · · 1m 50s
Prince William and Kate Middleton enforce smartphone ban at Eton for George
Prince William and Kate Middleton enforce strict smartphone ban at Eton College for Prince George.
In brief
Prince William and Kate Middleton enforce strict smartphone ban at Eton College for Prince George. Prince William and Kate Middleton enforce smartphone ban at Eton College for Prince George's privacy and safety. Originally reported by Fox News.
Prince William and Kate Middleton support Eton's smartphone ban
Prince William and Kate Middleton reportedly give Eton College's smartphone ban the royal thumbs-up for their eldest son, Prince George.
“Prince William and Kate Middleton are reportedly giving Eton College's smartphone ban the royal thumbs-up, especially for their eldest son, Prince George.”
Eton College smartphone policy for first-year students
Eton College bans smartphones for first-year students, issuing basic 'brick phones' with no internet access to limit communication with parents to calls and texts.
“The 13-year-old began his studies at the prestigious boarding school in September, where first-year Etonians are banned from using smartphones, according to The Telegraph.”
Eton College's smartphone restrictions
Eton College tightened restrictions on first-year students' school-issued iPads in September 2026 following parental concerns about gaming and internet browsing.
“Eton reportedly tightened restrictions on first-year students' school-issued iPads in September 2026, following parental concerns about gaming and internet browsing.”
Prince William's smartphone policy stance
Prince William stated in 2025 that none of his children have phones and he is very strict about it, especially for Prince George.
“In 2025, William told actor Eugene Levy on the Apple TV+ series "The Reluctant Traveler" that "none of our children have any phones, which we’re very strict about."”
Prince William's concerns about social media
Prince William said it was "really hard" to protect his children from social media harms, especially for Prince George.
“That same year, William told Brazilian TV host Luciano Huck during the 2025 Earthshot Prize events in Brazil that it had been "really hard" to protect his children from the harms of social media.”
Expert opinion on smartphone ban
Expert Hugo Vickers says Eton's use of 'brick phones' is sensible for Prince George's privacy and safety.
“Hugo Vickers, author of "Behind Closed Doors" and a fellow "Old Etonian," told Fox News Digital that Eton College's use of "brick phones" is "sensible."”
Eton College's history and student life
Eton College was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI and serves students aged 13 to 18 with about 1,350 students.
“Eton College, a world-renowned all-boys boarding school, was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI. It serves students between the ages of 13 and 18. About 1,350 students attend Eton, where they live in 25 boarding houses, each housing approximately 55 pupils, according to the school's website.”
Prince George's smartphone access
Prince George has never owned a smartphone and will use a basic 'brick phone' with no internet access at Eton.
“Prince George has never owned a smartphone. He will be more than happy with a brick phone.”
Parental concerns about smartphones
Parents want age-appropriate locks on internet technology to protect children from online risks.
“It is now becoming more common practice for schools to ban smartphone usage during school days, and parents want age-appropriate locks on internet technology.”
Eton's privacy benefits for Prince George
Eton's smartphone ban offers Prince George privacy and a sense of normalcy while avoiding online risks.
“A healthy rule of accessing only 'brick phones' at Eton only enables essential communication and calls and texts at home. The couple take great comfort in knowing that Prince George will not be wasting his time gaming, 'doom-scrolling,' or accessing inappropriate online content.”
The short version
Prince William and Kate Middleton enforce smartphone ban at Eton College for Prince George's privacy and safety.
