Hugh Grant Criticises Screen Use In Schools

Actor Hugh Grant has publicly criticised the use of laptops and tablets in schools during a panel at Knightsbridge School in London, hosted by the parent-led group Close Screens, Open Minds.

The group, co-founded by Grant's wife Anna Grant, is concerned about the negative effects of digital technology on children. Grant, a father of five, described screens as a “crazy addiction” and expressed alarm at schools providing devices like Chromebooks and iPads to students. He blamed “Big Tech” for harming children's ability to engage with the real world.

The rise in educational tech use, largely accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, has seen UK schools spend nearly £900 million annually, though concerns persist about the impact on child development.