For all pupils, we prefer that they have no device at all in school. We recommend that parents delay giving children a smart phone until at least year 7. Last year, whilst some pupils used a smart phone and social media responsibly, too many concerning issues of smart phone use at home spilled over into school. This included cyber-bullying, racist posts, and accessing pornography. A consistent and united front from all parents to delay giving their child a mobile phone is encouraged and welcomed. 

Our approach and rules aim to:

• reflect an increasing world-wide trend to discourage mobile device use by children
• set expectations so that parents are supported to help manage children's peer pressure about having a device
• give parents some choice and flexibility for their own individual preferences and family circumstances
• align with the secondary sector, especially Elthorne Park High School - the destination of the majority of our pupils after year 6.

Our rules:

1. We recommend that primary school age pupils do not have a smart phone
   • read What effects do mobile phones have on children and young peoples' mental health, NHS Compass Changing Lives
   • think about Smartphone Free Childhood. Join London, North West parent pact.
2. Next best, the school prefers mobile phones to be left at home on school days.
3. If parents insist that their child needs a mobile phone for communication before and/or after school, pupils may bring a simple 'brick' style mobile phone to school with phone and text messaging functions only.
   • If knowing location of a child is important, parents should consider the use of GPS tracking technology instead, such as AirTags.
4. Any mobile device in school must be:
   • stored in the child's own bag or locker.
   • never seen or heard while on the school site. The use of mobile devices by pupils while on the school site is banned.
5. Any mobile device seen or heard on the school site will be:
   • confiscated and returned to a parent at our convenience, usually at 3.45pm on the following school day.
   • pupils who repeatedly breach this rule will have their device confiscated for onger. On the second (or more) occurrence, the device will be confiscated for the rest of the school term.
6. There is no need for communication by mobile phone between parents and pupils during the school day. The school office and class teachers will manage any urgent messages between a child and their parents. 
7. The school does not take any responsibility for theft, damage or loss of devices brought on to the school site. 

Peter Dunmall