The Offscreen Futures Foundation (OFF!) is proud to support Blackout Education’s mission to bring its innovative digital safeguarding technology to state schools and Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) across the UK at no cost.
Through a match-funding model, Blackout Education will provide a free licence for every licence funded by OFF!, significantly accelerating access to a scalable, modern solution for managing smartphone use in schools.
In parallel, the Foundation will invest in Digital Detox Days (DDD) creating structured opportunities for students to step away from screens, often used for 5-7 hours per day, and engage in alternative activities that promote wellbeing, creativity, and real-world connection.
Constant use of smart devices is reshaping the way young people think, feel and relate to the world around them.
Social media can lead to anxieties, distraction and online bullying. In his book, The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt identifies four "foundational harms" resulting from a device-based childhood.
Direct, in-person interaction has sharply declined since around 2010, replaced by mediated, curated screen interactions that lead to isolation.
Nighttime screen exposure disrupts sleep patterns, contributing to emotional and cognitive struggles.
Constant notifications and fragmented attention weaken the ability to focus deeply and reflect.
Mobile apps and social platforms are designed for addictive engagement, particularly harmful during sensitive developmental phases.
By creating a school’s broader offscreen strategy, policy, and approach, the following three key objectives will be achieved:
Offscreen helps schools minimise distractions by controlling access to non-essential apps during the school day, enabling students to stay engaged, attentive and focused.
By reducing off-task behaviour linked to device use, Offscreen supports improved participation and higher-quality in school interactions. This creates a culture for stronger attainment and sustained progress across the curriculum.
Digital safeguarding is a core responsibility for schools, protecting students from online risks during the school day. Blackout works alongside existing safeguarding measures to create a safe, structured digital environment.
Our onboarding is designed to fit your school needs, tailoring our approach from day one to fit into your culture and policy. We work closely with your team, to ensure the tools support your wider school strategy and are simple to use from the start.
The Offscreen Futures Foundation is more than just a foundation, it’s a movement to redefine how smart device technology integrates into daily life.
Together, we can shape a smarter, safer, and less distracted world. Join us as we work towards a future where technology enhances life, rather than takes away from it.
