Eton College, one of the most prestigious private boarding schools in the world, has implemented a new policy requiring incoming students to use basic Nokia devices instead of smartphones. Known for educating world leaders and royalty, Eton's alumni, known as Old Etonians, include Princes William and Harry, novelist George Orwell, actors Eddie Redmayne and Tom Hiddleston, and recent prime ministers Boris Johnson and David Cameron.
In response to UK government guidance, new students starting in September 2024 will be required to leave their smartphones at home and have their SIM cards transferred to offline Nokia phones provided by the school. These basic phones can only make calls and send simple text messages, a stark contrast to the multifunctional smartphones most students are accustomed to.
