Mobile phones and Fielding's approach
The government expects schools to ban mobile phones to protect pupils’ learning and wellbeing. At Fielding, this aligns directly with our long‑standing approach: pupils do not use mobile phones in school. Our latest survey shows far fewer pupils own smartphones than across Ealing. This helps keep children safe, focused and ready to learn.
The Government has recently reinforced its national expectation that schools should ban mobile phone use during the school day to reduce distractions, improve behaviour and limit online harms. This builds on growing evidence about the impact of phones on attention, sleep and wellbeing, especially for younger pupils.
We welcome this clarity. It matches our approach: pupils must not use mobile phones at school, and any device brought for travel reasons must never be seen or heard. This simple routine keeps learning calm, reduces the risk of online issues in school, and sets clear expectations for all pupils. It also aligns with Elthorne Park High School - destination of 75% of our year 6 leavers - helping them to be ready for high school.
Fielding pupils have much lower smartphone ownership than Ealing overall
Ealing's latest Health & Wellbeing Survey for pupils in years 4 and 6 shows a significant difference between Fielding and schools across the borough:
- 22% of Fielding pupils have their own smartphone with internet access, compared with 44% across Ealing primary schools.
- Only 7% of Fielding pupils say they have a smartphone with no parental controls, compared with 14% across Ealing.
This lower ownership makes a real difference. National concerns about phones often come from issues such as online bullying, late‑night screen use, and exposure to inappropriate content. At Fielding, our pupils report far fewer online worries and experiences than across Ealing, supported by:
- Less online bullying (11% vs 22%).
- Fewer upsetting messages or images received (8% vs 18%).
This is a positive reflection of our community’s choices and your partnership with us.
How Fielding’s approach supports pupils
Our mobile phone expectations are simple and consistent:
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Pupils do not use mobile phones at any point during the school day. Phones brought for travel reasons must remain switched off and are never seen or heard during the school day from entry on to the school site.
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We reinforce safe and responsible online behaviour. Our curriculum teaches pupils how to stay safe online, and 90% report they have been taught how to stay safe, with a large majority following the advice.
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Our culture reduces online‑related worries. Fewer phones means fewer digital distractions, less pressure to be ‘always online’, and more opportunities for real‑world play, friendships and learning.
A positive, supportive community trend
We are delighted that Fielding families continue to prioritise healthy boundaries with technology. Lower smartphone use among pupils not only keeps children safer but also strengthens the calm, focused environment you tell us you value.
We will continue to follow the government’s expectations, keep our approach simple and consistent, and work with families to support children’s wellbeing—online and off.
Read more about tips for parents on managing mobile phones at home, including age‑appropriate guidance on parental controls and digital habits.
Peter Dunmall