Fleetdown supports children having a childhood – for as long as they can.
For this reason, we have adopted a Smartphone Free policy which means that:
- Pupils are not permitted to bring smartphones onto school premises – these are any device that connects to the internet, allows access to social media or apps and comes equipped with a camera
- Pupils, as an exception, may bring a ‘brick’ phone if they need this as they walk alone or travel a long distance. This must be handed to their teacher as they enter the building and will be locked away for the day.
- Smartwatches which connect to the internet, apps or can take photographs are not permitted
Why This Matters: What the Research Tells Us
This decision hasn’t been made lightly. The evidence is overwhelming and deeply concerning:
- According to Ofcom’s 2024 Children and Parents Media Use Report, 69% of 8–11-year-olds now own a smartphone, and over half are regularly accessing social media – despite most platforms having a minimum age of 13.
- A 2023 study in JAMA Pediatrics found that children exposed to more than two hours of recreational screen time per day were significantly more likely to suffer from lower emotional regulation, decreased attention spans, and increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
- A UK-based study from the Children’s Commissioner showed that one in five children aged 8–12 had been exposed to harmful or distressing online content, including cyberbullying, inappropriate videos, and extreme content, through smartphone access.
- A landmark study by Oxford University found that delaying smartphone use until age 14 was associated with better mental health, higher self-esteem, and more sustained academic progress during the teenage years.
- The UNICEF State of the World’s Children Report (2021) warns that while technology can enhance learning, unchecked digital exposure in childhood can impair healthy brain development, sleep cycles, and interpersonal connection.
- More recent evidence from Ofcom highlights that around three quarters of teenagers report encountering harmful content online, often through personalised feeds designed to maximise engagement.
While researchers acknowledge that the relationship between smartphone use and mental health is complex, there is a clear and growing consensus that early and unrestricted access increases exposure to risks and can negatively impact wellbeing
A Childhood Worth Protecting
We believe childhood is precious. It should be filled with face-to-face friendships, imagination, discovery, and play – not pressure to perform online, the endless scroll of content, or constant connectivity. We want our children to grow up grounded, confident and mentally healthy. This policy is a step in that direction.