Blackout Technologies

Blackout Education

Our objectives

Blackout is part of the school’s broader strategy, policy, and approach: aligning with the following three key objectives.

Improving focus and reducing distractions

Blackout helps schools minimise distractions by controlling access to non-essential apps during the school day, enabling students to stay engaged, attentive and focused.

Supporting attainment and progress

By reducing off-task behaviour linked to device use, Blackout supports improved participation and higher-quality in school interactions. This creates a culture for stronger attainment and sustained progress across the curriculum.

Embedding safeguarding and wellbeing

Digital safeguarding is a core responsibility for schools, protecting students from online risks during the school day. Blackout works alongside existing safeguarding measures to create a safe, structured digital environment.

Why does this matter?

Constant use of smart devices is reshaping the way young people think, feel and relate to the world around them. Social media can lead to anxieties, distraction and online bullying.

In his book, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt identifies four "foundational harms" resulting from a device-based childhood.

Social deprivation

Direct, in-person interaction has sharply declined since around 2010, replaced by mediated, curated screen interactions that lead to isolation.

Sleep deprivation

Nighttime screen exposure disrupts sleep patterns, contributing to emotional and cognitive struggles.

Attention fragmentation

Constant notifications and fragmented attention weaken the ability to focus deeply and reflect.

Screen addiction

Mobile apps and social platforms are designed for addictive engagement, particularly harmful during sensitive developmental phases.

Taken from 'The Anxious Generation' by Jonathan Haidt

I am delighted that RGS have introduced Blackout. I don't want there to be the temptation of phone use during the day and I think better friendships will be made if others are not distracted by phones.

- Parent

- RGS Worcester

Our bespoke strategy for onboarding

Tailored support to make implementation seamless.
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Blackout’s onboarding is designed to fit your school needs, tailoring our approach from day one to fit into your culture and policy. We work closely with your team, to ensure Blackout supports your wider school strategy and is simple to use from the start.
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We help you:

Embed Blackout into wellbeing, safeguarding, and behaviour policies

Train staff to manage the tool confidently and efficiently

Communicate clearly with parents through webinars, ready-made guides and through communication plan

Track impact with surveys and regular reviews

Provide pre-created adapt pupil resources

Provide pre-created adaptable pupil resources

Keep momentum with ongoing support and updates resources

We don’t just hand over a tool and walk away but we stay alongside you to ensure Blackout becomes a seamless part of your culture and continues to deliver impact throughout the school year.

"Blackout come and actually do a webinar with your parents, which is the only company I have ever come across who will do that"
- Luke Ramsden
St Benedicts, Senior Assistant head and innovation lead

Blackout in the media

As seen on...

We’re proud to be featured by major news organisations such as The BBC, The Times and ITV for tackling one of today’s most pressing educational challenges: smart device use in schools.

bbc

Schools to trial social media blackout scheme

Three schools in Surrey are launching a pilot programme to restrict mobile phone usage in an attempt to improve pupils' wellbeing.

The Times

Schools order pupils to use ‘blackout’ app to curb phone use

An app that blocks social media and cameras on pupils' phones during school hours is being trialled in four schools.

ITV

Blackout on ITV: Taking Action for Online Child Safety

Blackout Technologies was featured on ITV's Lorraine, discussing practical solutions for parents and schools to protect children online.

Safeguarding students and eliminating digital disruption

78% of students reported that Blackout was effective in reducing their device usage during school time.

Blackout Education

Our objectives

Improving focus and reducing distractions

Supporting attainment and progress

Embedding safeguarding and wellbeing

Why does this matter?

Social deprivation

Sleep deprivation

Attention fragmentation

Screen addiction

Our bespoke strategy for onboarding

Blackout in the media

As seen on...

bbc

Schools to trial social media blackout scheme

The Times

Schools order pupils to use ‘blackout’ app to curb phone use

ITV

Blackout on ITV: Taking Action for Online Child Safety

Additional information

Information for teachers

Information for students

Information for guardians

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