Smartphones and Social Media: Our Approach

Why we asked

In April 2026, we asked St Martin’s families for their views on smartphones and social media. Their answers help us explain our approach, although they cannot speak for every family in our school community.

Every respondent said they had worries about smartphone use or social media, either now or in the future. Parents’ answers also showed strong support for delaying smartphone ownership and for the school taking a clearer stance.

What do we mean by a smartphone?

For the purposes of the Phone Policy, a smartphone is a phone with internet access and apps, such as a web browser or WhatsApp. The policy also covers other internet-enabled devices, including smartwatches, where they have similar communication or online functions.

A basic phone means a phone used for calls and texts without internet access or a camera.

What parents told us

Survey finding	Responses
Worried about smartphone use or social media	100%
Agreed smartphones and social media pose a safeguarding risk to children	92%
Would feel supported if more parents agreed to delay smartphones until a set age	92%
Would feel supported by a stronger school stance	92%

When asked which effects concerned them, parents most often selected online bullying and sharing inappropriate content. Other common concerns were mental health and predatory behaviour from adults, sleep and reduced real-life play, and attention spans and social skills.

Parents also favoured delaying smartphone ownership. 71% chose age 16 or older as the appropriate age, 21% chose age 13 or older, and 8% chose Year 5.

How the Phone Policy responds

A safer school day

Our policy makes St Martin’s a phone-free environment for pupils by default. Smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices are not permitted on site. This gives children clear boundaries during the school day and reduces opportunities for unsafe communication, inappropriate content and distraction.

Clear expectations for everyone

Phones are not permitted for pupils in Nursery to Year 4. The same rule on smartphones applies to pupils of every age. Clear, shared expectations help families make decisions without feeling that their child needs a smartphone for school.

A practical option as children become more independent

We recognise that some older pupils travel independently and may need to contact home. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 who do so may bring a basic phone for communication only. It must have no internet access or camera, be switched off, and be handed in at the start of the school day.

Families choosing a basic phone may find Ofcom’s mobile coverage checker useful when considering a network.

Supporting parents’ choices at home

The survey also highlighted a strong desire for guidance and support.

In response, the school will:

• Share information to help parents understand online risks
• Provide practical guidance on managing device use at home
• Signpost trusted resources, including 'Smartphone Free Childhood'

We also continue to review our own systems to ensure that school expectations around technology remain balanced and age-appropriate.

Why can’t a smartphone simply be switched off?

The policy is based on the need for clear, consistent safeguarding expectations. In a busy primary environment, it is not possible for staff to verify whether devices are switched off or how they are configured. By removing internet-enabled devices from the school site altogether, we are able to create a safer, more consistent environment for all children and reduce the risk of misuse, accidental access or peer pressure.

Our shared aim

Across the survey responses, there was a clear sense that families want to work together.

By taking a consistent, community approach, we aim to:

• Support children’s safety and wellbeing
• Reduce peer pressure on families
• Promote healthy development and independence
• Ensure children can enjoy their childhood without unnecessary digital pressures

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please contact the school office. We appreciate that this is a sensitive subject and the intention is to be supportive. We would always prefer to discuss matters face to face.