Schools pledge to become smartphone-free

Four schools in one county have signed a pledge aiming to go smartphone-free.

Headteachers at Kempsey, Welland and Hanley Swan Primaries, along with Hanley Castle High, across Worcestershire, sent a letter to parents asking them to consider not getting their children smartphones until at least Year 9.

Kempsey head teacher Bryony Baynes said she knew children as young as five who had smartphones.

“We’re not saying never have a smartphone,” he said. “We’re just saying think about when you give it up.”

Four schools – part of the Henley and Upton Educational Trust – are supporting smartphone free childhood Campaign group, which encourages parents to delay giving their children smartphones.

Ms Baynes said she recently had to deal with an incident involving a WhatsApp group between a group of 6-year-old girls which was causing problems by creating jealousy.

“If it wasn’t for the WhatsApp group it would have taken off,” Ms Baynes said.

“In my time…you used to leave your problems at school and go home.

“I know from my own children that access to social media through their phones promotes anxieties and lack of confidence.”

Ms. Baynes said that so far, parents seem to be on board with the idea.

“When I get out of my car in the morning, no one has thrown a smartphone at me,” she said.

The school is planning to start telling children about smartphones and social media in the new year.

“It’s about educating them as well as talking to parents,” Ms Baynes said.