Eton College, one of the most prestigious educational institutions in the UK, has made a radical decision in its new student admissions: The school administration has officially announced that they will completely ban the use of smartphones among students and instead provide them with old-fashioned Nokia feature phones, which only support calling and texting. This decision has quickly gone viral on social media.

With an annual fee of $64,000, Eton College cited growing concerns over the negative impact of smartphone use on the mental health and overall well-being of young people as reasons for this ban. Additionally, they expect the ban to reduce classroom distractions and improve student behavior.

Located in Windsor, west of London, Eton College was founded nearly 600 years ago and is renowned for educating 20 British Prime Ministers including Boris Johnson and David Cameron. Notable alumni also include Prince William and Prince Harry, author George Orwell, James Bond creator Ian Fleming, and Oscar-winning actor Eddie Redmayne.

Starting this September, all new 13-year-old students joining Eton College will be prohibited from using smartphones. Mike Grenier, the school’s deputy headmaster, communicated to parents that their children’s SIM cards from their smartphones will be transferred to the Nokia phones provided by the school.

What are your thoughts on this interesting decision by the school? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.