As a school, and reflecting the views of many of our families, we are increasingly concerned about the impact of smartphones on children. Smartphones are a big part of modern life, most adults have one, and they can be excellent tools for finding information and staying connected with family and friends.
However, there is now growing evidence of the negative effects of smartphones and social media on children and teenagers. These include:
• Poor mental health, such as anxiety and depression
• Difficulties with attention and sleep
• Increased risk of cyberbullying and exposure to harmful or inappropriate content
• Addiction and distraction from developing important life skills
Many children receive their first phone in primary school, and over 90% of 12-year-olds now own a smartphone. This is a crucial stage for brain development, and the younger a child is when they receive a smartphone, the greater the potential for harm.
Taking Action:
This issue has been raised during our Parent Forum sessions. A team of dedicated and caring parents have supported this approach by analysing the data from questionnaires, attending meetings and organising support for this during Parents' Evenings.
The Parent Pact can be found by clicking this link.
