Prince George’s ‘Brick Phone’ at Eton Reportedly Wins Approval From Prince William and Princess Kate
Prince George is reportedly using a basic mobile phone with no internet access at Eton College, a move that has been welcomed by his parents, Prince William and Princess Catherine, amid growing concerns about children’s smartphone use.
The 13-year-old Prince of Wales reportedly began attending the prestigious boarding school in September, where first-year students are subject to restrictions on smartphone use. Instead, Year 9 pupils, including George, are reportedly issued simple “brick phones” that allow them to make calls and send text messages without accessing the internet.
The policy means George can stay in contact with his parents while having limited access to the online distractions and potential risks associated with smartphones.
Eton College has explained that its decision to restrict smartphones among first-year students is intended “to balance the benefits and challenges that technology brings to schools.”
The school also reportedly tightened restrictions on school-issued iPads in September 2026, following parental concerns about students using the devices for gaming and internet browsing.
The reported arrangement is consistent with comments William made about his children’s use of technology in 2025. Speaking to actor Eugene Levy on Apple TV+’s The Reluctant Traveler, the Prince said: “None of our children have any phones, which we’re very strict about.”
In another interview that year, William explained that he had considered allowing George to have a basic phone when he moved to secondary school.
“I think when George moves on to secondary school, then maybe he might have a phone that has no internet access,” he said, acknowledging that the issue had become a source of tension.
William also explained his concerns about unrestricted internet access, saying children could encounter content they did not need to see online. He added that a traditional brick phone, limited to calls and text messages, could be an acceptable alternative.
Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that William and Catherine had reportedly faced discussions with George about having a smartphone with internet access. He also suggested that online content about the royal family could be another concern for the young Prince.
British broadcaster Helena Chard described Eton’s reported smartphone policy as “music to Prince William and Princess Catherine’s ears.”
She said the couple restrict smart devices to protect their children from online safety risks, adding that basic phones allow essential communication without encouraging gaming, excessive scrolling or access to inappropriate content.
The reported arrangement reflects William and Catherine’s previously expressed approach to managing their children’s technology use, with internet safety remaining a key concern as George enters his teenage years.
