Students take part in ITV News ‘Teens Without Screens’ social media experiment

Students at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School have trialled giving up social media during a week-long experiment.

A group of students at the school, which is part of Tapestry Learning Partnership, took part in ITV News Central’s ‘Teens Without Screens’ project.

As part of the experiment, the group of 14 and 15-year-olds agreed to delete their social media apps for seven days and keep video diaries of how they got on.

It comes as the UK government considers whether to follow Australia’s lead and ban under 16-year-olds from using social media.

Apps that the students deleted included Facebook, Instagram, K, Reddit, Snapchat, Threads, TikTok, Twitch, YouTube and X.

ITV News Central spoke with the students at three points during the week – before they deleted their apps, part way through and at the end when they reinstalled the apps.

To find out how the students got on, watch the ‘Teens Without Screens’ programme on the ITV News Central website.

Scott Garrity, Headteacher, said: “I think young people can rise to and enjoy a challenge, which is why we had a lot of interest from the students about taking part in the project.”

“It’s been interesting to see how they coped and used their time differently whether that was spending more time with their family or taking up other activities such as baking and sport.

“Social media is an integral part of young people’s lives but this experiment has given some students a valuable opportunity to discuss, experience and reflect on their digital habits.”

Mark Mallender, Chief Executive Officer, Tapestry Learning Partnership, added: “It’s great to see students at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School have the courage to try something new and embrace this topical challenge on one of the big issues of our time.”

Tapestry Learning Partnership is a growing family of primary and secondary schools across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

Formed in January 2026 through the merger of two successful multi-academy trusts, Djanogly Learning Trust and QEGSMAT, Tapestry Learning Partnership brings together a wealth of expertise, resources and a shared commitment to excellence.

The new partnership comprises a strong network of 15 schools dedicated to delivering outstanding education and enriching opportunities for every student.