Smartphone free schools is part of a growing national conversation. From a full day dedicated to online safety on the UK’s biggest talk radio station, LBC, to the Second Reading of the Safer Phones Bill , this is clearly an issue that is not going away.

However, legislation is not going to come fast enough to protect our children, so it’s clear we have to act at a local level now. As a school within this Local Authority, we want to help shift societal norms. The growth of the national Smartphone Free Childhood movement has shown us that parents – and many young people themselves – want schools to help them minimise the impact of smartphones in their lives.

From September 2026, smartphones will no longer be permitted into school by pupils.  We have recently updated our mobile phone policy to reflect these changes.  Please refer to the image below with more detail.  You can download this image below.

Jonathan Haidt & Smartphone Free Childhood talk - 21.03.24

The Smartphone Free Childhood movement began in February 2024 when friends Daisy and Clare set up a WhatsApp group to support each other in the decision to hold off on buying their kids smartphones. To their amazement, within 24 hours, thousands of other parents had joined the group after an Instagram post by Daisy about it went viral.

Here are a few suggestions to help ensure their online safety and well-being:

1. Regular Conversations: Talk to your child about their online activities. Ask them who they are communicating with and what platforms they are using.
2. Set Boundaries: Establish clear rules about mobile phone use, including appropriate times and places for using their devices.
3. Monitor Activity: Periodically review your child's messages and social media interactions. This can help you identify any potential issues early on.
4. Encourage Kindness: Remind your child of the importance of being kind and respectful online, just as they would be in person.
5. Report Concerns: If you notice any concerning behavior or messages, please report them to the school so we can address the issue promptly.