Gov restrictions on phones.

Government Restrictions on Phones Reflect Growing Global Shift

From classrooms to bedrooms, policymakers are recognising what sleep researchers have known for years: too much screen time is damaging our health and new regulations are trying to catch up.

In recent years, countries around the world have started introducing formal restrictions on mobile phone use, particularly among children and teens. France banned smartphones in schools as early as 2018, with the UK Department for Education following suit by releasing guidance in 2024 discouraging mobile phone use throughout the school day. Similar measures are under review in Australia, Italy, and parts of the U.S., signalling a widespread re-evaluation of our digital boundaries.

These moves reflect growing public concern about the long-term effects of excessive phone use especially on sleep, concentration, and mental health. Research has shown that screen exposure before bed can suppress melatonin by up to 50% and reduce total sleep time by over an hour on average (Harvard Health, 2020; BMJ Open, 2017). In children, the effects can be even more pronounced due to heightened biological sensitivity to light (Journal of Pineal Research, 2015).

Yet while schools are starting to take action, most households are still lagging behind. A study by Deloitte found that 94% of adults sleep with their phone within arm’s reach, and over 70% of parents feel unable to set digital boundaries for their children (Deloitte Digital Trends, 2022; Internet Matters & YouGov, 2022).

Zebble was created to fill this gap not by enforcing restrictions, but by providing a gentle, safe and empowering alternative. With a simple, screen-free design and emergency contact capability, Zebble helps people of all ages reclaim rest without fear.

As governments continue to legislate for better digital boundaries, it's clear the home will become the next frontier. Zebble offers a proactive solution for families, schools, and workplaces alike.