At Saltford we work closely with families to ensure our children are safe, happy and ready to learn each day. For this reason, we discourage children from bringing mobile phones into school. Phones can easily be damaged, lost or used inappropriately, and recent research highlights wider concerns about smartphone use amongst primary-aged children. These include exposure to unsuitable content, online bullying, social pressures, excessive screen time and the impact on sleep, concentration and wellbeing. Please see the relevant section on our school website here.

We have contacted Years 5 and 6 parents previously regarding concerns about the way some children have been communicating on WhatsApp and issues with online gaming, and we appreciate your support in helping us guide children towards positive, safe use of technology.

Mobile phone policy consultation

Given the national concerns and the growing evidence about the impact of smartphones on young children, Saltford Primary School introduced a complete smartphone ban from September 2026.

For clarity, a smartphone or smartwatch is a mobile device that combines calling and camera capabilities with internet connectivity for web browsing, app support and multimedia.

Tracking apps such as “Find My” (Apple devices), “Find My Device” (Android) and “SmartThingsFind” (Samsung) all require the internet/Bluetooth to function and would therefore be a function of a smartphone.

It is important to distinguish that mobile phones which only have capacity for voice calls and texts and are not linked to the internet will be permissible in school for those children walking to and from school without an adult (ie in Years 5 and 6). Please see this link for alternative suggestions to smartphones www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/alternatives.

School rules on mobile phones

To help keep everyone safe and maintain a calm learning environment, we ask that families agree to the following rules:

•  Phones must be turned off at the school gates and remain switched off throughout the school day
• Children must hand their phone to the school office on arrival, where it will be stored securely in a cupboard until home time
• The school cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage
• Phones should be clearly labelled with your child’s initials or name
• Parents should agree to these mobile phone guidelines by giving their permission on the MyChildAtSchool app (MCAS).

Supporting children’s safety online

Many phones offer instant access to the internet, apps and social media, which can expose children to risks even outside the school day. We strongly recommend enabling parental controls and talking regularly with your child about staying safe online.

In previous years, we have often been asked to support families with issues arising on social media outside of school, and we want to help prevent these situations wherever possible. Please remember that most apps and social media platforms have age limits well above primary school age.

For helpful advice and guidance, we recommend this website: www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

You may also like to view the latest Government guidance on this subject here: lordslibrary.parliament.uk/smartphones-in-schools-practice-policy-and-international-perspectives/

Thank you, as always, for your support and partnership.