72 Ealing primary schools commit to a smart phone free childhood, supported by Ealing Council. Parents can join our commitment and sign-up at Smartphone Free Childhood, London North West region.

 

Head teachers are concerned about the impact of smartphones on our children.

 

Smartphones are a big part of life today. Most adults have one, and they are great for finding information and staying connected with family and friends.

 

However, there is now evidence of the negative effects of smartphones and social media on children and teenagers. These include:

• poor mental health, such as depression and anxiety
• issues with attention and sleep
• risks of cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content like violence or inappropriate material
• smartphones can be addictive and distract children from learning important life skills

 

Children often get their first phone in primary school, and over 90% of 12-year-olds have a smartphone. This period is crucial for brain development, and the younger a child gets a smartphone, the more potential harm it can cause.

Schools have a role in changing how children use smartphones.

 

First, we are committed to making our school environments smartphone-free. Children cannot use smartphones during school hours and we do not want your child to bring a smartphone to school.

 

Second, we encourage you to delay giving a smartphone to your child until they are at least 14 years old. A growing number of parents and schools across the country are choosing to do this.  There is widespread support from Ealing Council and Ealing headteachers. We include a list of local schools that are working together on this campaign.

 

If you need to contact your child while they travel to and from school, a simple ‘brick’ phone is enough. “Brick” phones do not have internet connectivity, and they are inexpensive.

 

Learning and wellbeing are our top priorities as headteachers. Research shows us that smartphones are detrimental to both.