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Smartphone Free Childhood

Supporting our children’s wellbeing, together

At Ashdown Primary School, we want childhood to be filled with play, imagination, friendships and a love of learning. As part of this commitment, we are pleased to support the Smartphone Free Childhood movement, a parent‑led initiative helping families navigate the challenges that come with early smartphone and social media use.

Why Smartphone Free Childhood

A growing body of research suggests that delaying access to smartphones may help protect children’s wellbeing during key developmental years. Researchers have raised concerns including:

Higher levels of anxiety and depression linked to heavy social media use
Addictive app design that keeps children engaged for long periods
Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content soon after joining social platforms
Reduced sleep and attention, especially when devices are used in the evening
Cyberbullying, which affects many young people

As phone use increases, it often displaces time for the things that matter most in childhood - outdoor play, sport, reading, sleep, family time and face-to-face friendships. For this reason, many families choose to delay smartphone access.

The Smartphone Free Childhood movement aims to bring families together so that no parent feels alone in making that decision.

At the same time, we recognise that technology can bring many benefits when introduced at the right time and with appropriate support. Digital literacy is an important life skill, and our curriculum continues to teach children how to use technology safely, confidently and responsibly.

About the Movement

Smartphone Free Childhood is a parent-led initiative that brings families together to navigate decisions around smartphone and social media use.

At the heart of the movement is the voluntary Parent Pact - a shared pledge among families to delay smartphones until at least age 14 and social media until 16. The aim is to reduce the pressure many parents feel when decisions are made in isolation. Over 180,000 families across the UK have chosen to take part.

Families who are interested can see how many others locally have signed the Voluntary Pact, by school, and by class. Knowing how many families participate can reassure parents that they are not alone in choosing to delay smartphone use.

The movement is:

·Community-driven - no parent has to navigate these decisions alone
Pro-childhood rather than anti-technology
Focused on giving children healthy time, space and freedom to grow

How This Supports Ashdown’s Values

This initiative aligns with our school ethos by helping nurture:

Positive mental and emotional wellbeing
Healthy, in‑person friendships
Focused learning, free from digital distractions
A safe and supportive school environment

Our intention is not to judge individual choices, but to support families who wish to delay smartphones and make that choice easier within our community.

What We Encourage

While every family is unique, our community may wish to consider:

Delaying smartphones until after primary school

Helps protect children from online risks during key developmental years.
Protects time for the good stuff - play, sleep, reading, sport, and real‑world friendships

Using alternatives if needed

If a child needs contact for travel, simple non‑smart “brick phones” are a practical option.

Talking openly about technology

There are helpful guides available for confident, age‑appropriate conversations on our Digital and E-safety webpage, along with regular updates in the school newsletter and termly digital bulletins.

Acting together as a community

Collective action reduces the peer pressure families often feel.

Connecting as a Parent Community

Some parents have independently created a Smartphone Free Childhood discussion group on WhatsApp. This group is parent-led and not affiliated with or moderated by the school. Families who wish to connect with other parents can do so independently, and find it via the Smartphone Free Childhood Website.

Resources & Further Reading

Videos & Short Explainers

Papaya Parenting: A Stolen Childhood (12 minute explainer)
Jonathan Haidt: The Anxious Generation (30‑minute summary)
Channel 4 Documentary: Swiped: The School That Banned Smartphones

Guides & Helpful Links

Conversation guides for talking to children about smartphones: How should I talk to my child about smartphones? Tips for parents at every stage | Questions | Smartphone Free Childhood
Lists of simple, child‑friendly non‑smartphone alternatives: Smartphone Alternatives for Kids

Take Part

Learn more or sign the Parent Pact
View the Parent Pact Leaderboard to see Ashdown’s participation.
Families are welcome to explore the resources, ask questions and decide what feels right for their own child

A Supportive Message to All Families

Every parent wants the best for their child. Our goal is not to instruct or judge but to walk alongside families, offering reassurance, information and community support. Together, we can help protect childhood and champion wellbeing for all our pupils.