The Government has recently strengthened its guidance on mobile phones in schools. Although pupils at our school do not use phones during the day, issues linked to mobile phones extend well beyond lessons. Many schools are seeing the effect of cyberbullying, online messaging, and social media pressures on children’s wellbeing, even when these take
place at home.
From the start of the new academic year, we plan to become a fully phone free school. This means that pupils will not bring any type of mobile phone onto the school site. Our aim is to support children’s wellbeing, reduce digital pressures, and ensure that school remains a calm, safe, and positive environment.
There are many benefits for younger children who do not have mobile phones. They often spend more time playing, talking (developing oracy skills) and developing friendships, and many families find that children are calmer and more engaged with home and school life.
Parent led trackers will continue to be permitted on the school site, as they do not give pupils access to online communication. However, these devices cannot be taken on school trips for privacy and safeguarding reasons. Some children are not even aware that there are trackers in their bags - and this level of monitoring is commonplace now.
We understand that some children may begin to request a mobile phone as they grow older. Families may find it helpful to explain that a phone would not be used for most of the week, and that removing phones from school reduces competition and pressure around owning particular models or technologies.
Further information and an updated Mobile Phone Policy will follow later this term. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to promote the wellbeing and safety of all the children.