Smartphone Free School

At Somerdale Educate Together Primary School, we are proud to be a Smartphone Free School.

This approach reflects our commitment to children’s wellbeing, learning, and rights, and has been shaped in partnership with our school community. As a Gold Rights Respecting School, our decisions are guided by children’s rights, including their right to play, to learn, to feel safe, and to develop healthy relationships.

What does “Smartphone Free” mean?

Our Smartphone Free approach means that smartphones are not used by children in school during the primary years.

• The school is smartphone free from Reception to Year 5
• A one-year transition arrangement applies to the current Year 6 cohort
• From 2026–27, all classes at the school will be smartphone free

This approach was agreed by the school and supported through consultation with parents and carers.

Why have we taken this approach?

Research and feedback from families highlight growing concerns about the impact of smartphones on children’s wellbeing, including mental health, social development, and peer pressure.

By delaying smartphone use during the primary years, we aim to:
• Protect children’s right to wellbeing and healthy development
• Reduce pressure on families to introduce smartphones before children are ready
• Support positive friendships, play, and face-to-face communication
• Promote responsible and age-appropriate use of technology

Being smartphone free is not about being anti-technology. It is about making thoughtful, rights-based choices about when and how technology is introduced.

A rights-respecting approach

As a Gold Rights Respecting School, our Smartphone Free policy supports key children’s rights, including:
• The right to play and leisure
• The right to education
• The right to health and wellbeing
• The right to be safe from harm

We believe that delaying access to smartphones during the primary phase helps uphold these rights in a meaningful and practical way.

Working in partnership with families

We recognise that every family is different. Our aim is to support, not judge.

Alongside our Smartphone Free approach, we are committed to:
• Providing clear guidance for parents and carers
• Sharing information about safer alternatives to smartphones
• Offering opportunities to learn about online safety and digital responsibility
• Listening to families and responding to questions or concerns

We are grateful for the strong partnership we share with our school community and for the thoughtful engagement of parents and carers in shaping this approach.

Further information and useful links

Parent and Carer Consultation Survey

Smartphone Free Childhood Click Here

These resources are shared to support informed discussion and partnership with families