Smartphone Free

 

At IngateIngatestone and Fryerning C of E Junior School, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils. Increasingly, the use of smartphones among young people is having a detrimental impact on mental health, sleep, attention, and overall development. Research and experience have identified the following concerns associated with smartphone use in school-aged children:

· Increased rates of anxiety and depression

· Sleep disruption and reduced attention span

· Risk of cyberbullying and exposure to harmful or inappropriate content

· Patterns of use consistent with behavioural addiction

Reduced engagement with learning and important life skills

Considering these concerns, and in line with our commitment to creating a safe and focused learning environment, the following policy outlines the permitted use of mobile phones and portable devices on school premises.

Year 3– Year 5

Mobile phones and portable devices are not permitted on school premises under any circumstances.

 

Year 6 (Independent Travellers)

Parents who wish for their child to bring a mobile phone for safety reasons (e.g., walking to and from school independently) must comply with the following:

Permitted Phone Models

Only the following basic mobile phone models are permitted:

· Nokia 105

· Samsung E1200

· Alcatel 10.16G

Or another similar non-smartphone device approved in advance by the school

Smartphones are not allowed under any circumstances. Any device not pre-approved will be considered a prohibited phone.

Smartphone Free policy is below