To use the product effectively, students need access to a compatible device (Android, Apple/iOS) on which the app can be installed. Schools require access to a laptop or desktop computer with an internet connection to log into their dedicated dashboard. Each school is provided with individual login credentials, allowing staff to monitor student compliance and activity through the dashboard.

The app can be downloaded and ready for use in under 90 seconds.

Staff upload students via the school dashboard, which automatically sends each student an email containing their unique authentication code and a direct link to download the app. Students follow the link, enter their code, and accept the required permissions. Once this is complete, the device is fully set up.

For schools using Wonde, (used with MIS system such as Arbor, Sims and BromCom), the dashboard student list can also be kept up to date automatically via the Wonde API, reducing the need for manual updates.

From the student’s perspective, everything then runs automatically based on the schedule set by the school. The app activates during the school day and switches off outside of school hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays).

For staff, there is no need for manual enforcement. The dashboard provides a quick, real-time view of device status, allowing for light-touch monitoring where needed.

Blackout Education provides structured training as part of its bespoke onboarding process, ensuring staff feel confident using the platform from the outset. Training sits within a wider implementation approach, supporting school policy, safeguarding, parent communication, and student understanding.

We offer a range of training formats, including in-person sessions, live online training, webinars, written guides, and short video walkthroughs.

We work closely with each school to understand the most effective training approach for their context. This includes helping schools embed Blackout into their behaviour policy and define clear roles and responsibilities. In many cases, this means supporting form tutors as a consistent first point of contact for students, alongside SLT and pastoral teams.

Training is tailored to these roles, covering practical use of the app and dashboard, as well as the wider context around phone use, digital habits, and social media. We also carry out user research with students, which helps us further adapt training to reflect the specific needs and culture of each school.

The overall approach is designed to be flexible and manageable, allowing schools to implement Blackout in a way that is both effective and sustainable.

Blackout Education provides ongoing support as part of both implementation and the wider service, ensuring schools are able to sustain momentum beyond the initial rollout.

Support is available through email and help desk services, alongside a dedicated knowledge base, documentation, and direct communication with the Blackout team.

We work closely with partner schools through regular check-ins, ongoing email support, and termly school visits. Where needed, we also deliver in-school support days, working directly with staff and students to address challenges and strengthen implementation.

Our support extends beyond the platform itself. We work alongside schools to develop digital detox and activity days, provide schemes of work, and support assemblies and tutor time delivery. This ensures Blackout is embedded not just as a tool, but as part of a wider approach to behaviour, safeguarding, and digital wellbeing.

We also support schools in tracking impact through surveys and structured reviews, helping them understand what is working and where to refine their approach. Alongside this, we keep up to date with government guidance and policy developments, working with our schools network to interpret these and apply them in a practical, school-specific way.

Our approach is intentionally hands-on and relationship-led, ensuring schools feel supported, heard, and confident in embedding Blackout within their school context.