A new Channel 4 docu-series based in an Essex school has aired this week, focusing on a group of teens as they are put to the ultimate test.

The two-part documentary, hosted by Emma and Matt Willis, features Year 8 children from the Stanway School in Colchester.

Along with the Willis's, the children are challenged to give up their electronic devices for 21-days, in a social experiment to record the impact of smartphones on children's behaviour.

(Credit: Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones, Channel 4)

A former teacher at Ormiston Rivers Academy in Burnham-on-Crouch, John Player, appears in the documentary, now working as the Head of the Colchester School. In Episode One he discusses his concerns about schoolchildren's use of phones.

"You are starting to expose these 12 to 13 year-olds to the beginnings of an adult world, how much are smartphones dictating their experience?" he said.

"You have access to quote harmful content online like bullying, body image issues, suicide encouragement sites and things like that. 

"There are things that you do not want anywhere near a young person."

advertisement

Head of School, John Player discusses growth in mental health conditions as a result of smartphone use. (Credit: Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones, Channel 4)

Over 90% of the nation's 11-year-olds own a smartphone, with half of 9-year-olds also owning one. Alarming data also shows that frequent social media use can increase a child's risk of depression by 27%.

John Player added: "This experiment is important for schools everywhere because we're at the front line of the issues of young people with mobile phones. 

"We are seeing more and more students with mental health issues, more students with sleep deprivation and these are all issues that we're trying to deal with." 

The box where the devices were locked away. (Credit: Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones, Channel 4)

The experiment conducted in conjunction with The University of York sees the pupils undergo a series of tests with experts meticulously monitoring their behavioural changes over the 21 days, repeating the tests at the end of the three weeks to conclude what effects giving up your phone really does have on your brain including sleep and attention.

The tests include a series of cognitive tasks, testing attention, reaction times and memory. 

The children also participate in questionnaires covering sleep, anxiety, depression, mood, stress, loneliness, enjoyment and social connectedness.

The children underwent cognitive tests before and after as part of the experiment. (Credit: Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones, Channel 4)

Alongside Dr Rangan Chatterjee, – medical doctor, author, television presenter and podcaster - Matt and Emma Willis meet other experts, scientists, campaigners and politicians to uncover the deep-rooted effects of smartphone use.

The first episode aired on Channel 4 on December 11, with the second episode airing today at 8pm (December 12).

Both are available to watch now on the Channel 4 website.