Smart phone free school

Smartphone-Free and Smartwatch-Free Guidance

Heene Church of England Primary School

At Heene CE Primary School, we are committed to ensuring that all children can learn, grow and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment. As part of this commitment, we operate a smartphone-free and smartwatch-free approach, This means that starting in September, children will not be permitted to bring smartphones to school. We believe this approach will support parents who wish to delay the purchase of such devices and will help reinforce a consistent and unified message between home and school.

Exceptions to this policy will be made only for children who require a smartphone for medical reasons, such as managing diabetes. We appreciate your support in promoting a focused and healthy learning environment for all our pupils.

While technology has an important place in modern life, increasing evidence highlights the impact of smartphones and social media on children’s wellbeing, concentration and development. Our approach prioritises children's learning, relationships and safety, in line with our vision:
Together in faith we love, grow and learn.

Why Delay Smartphones and Social Media?

More and more scientific research is backing up parental experience to show that early smartphone and social media exposure can be harmful to children. Some of the biggest concerns include:

Mental Health Impact – Studies show that children who spend more time on social media are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.
Addictive Nature – Social media apps are designed to be highly addictive, with children spending an average of 4 hours per day on their phones by age 12.
Exposure to Harmful Content – Research shows that 40% of children are exposed to inappropriate content within a week of joining social media.
Reduced Sleep and Focus – Screen time before bed significantly reduces sleep quality, with studies linking smartphone use to an increase in attention difficulties.
Cyberbullying – Over 60% of teenagers report experiencing cyberbullying, with younger children being particularly vulnerable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a smartwatch and a fitness watch?

A smartwatch functions as an extension of a mobile phone. It can send and receive messages, make calls, display notifications and run apps.

A fitness watch, however, is designed primarily for health and activity tracking, such as counting steps, monitoring heart rate and tracking sleep. These devices do not typically allow communication.

At Heene, children may wear simple fitness trackers, but smartwatches with communication functions are not permitted.

How will I contact my child during the school day?

Children do not have access to mobile phones during the school day. This helps maintain focus on learning and social interactions.

If you need to contact your child, please do so via the school office, and we will ensure messages are passed on promptly.

What if my child requires a device for medical purposes?

We understand that some children may need access to a device for medical reasons. In these cases, appropriate arrangements will be made.

Please speak directly with the school so we can agree a safe and supportive plan tailored to your child’s needs.

My child walks to or from school—how can they stay safe or in contact?

For children in Years 5 and 6, a simple mobile phone (calls and texts only) may be brought to school where necessary for travel.

These phones must be:

Turned off before entering the school site
Handed in to staff on entry
Not used at any time during the school day

They will be collected at the end of the day for the journey home.

Can I track my child’s location?

We understand that some families find reassurance in tracking their child’s whereabouts.

In most cases, clear routines and agreed arrangements for drop-off and collection provide sufficient reassurance. Where additional support is needed, options such as GPS trackers or non-communication devices can be considered, provided they do not disrupt learning or compromise safeguarding.

Are there alternatives to smartphones for children?

Yes. There are a range of alternatives designed for children that do not provide full smartphone functionality.

For further information, families may wish to explore:
https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/alternatives

Where can I find more information?

Further guidance can be found at:
https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/

This approach reflects our responsibility to safeguard children and promote positive wellbeing, ensuring that school remains a place where children can focus, connect and flourish free from unnecessary digital distractions.