Smartphone Free Childhood

At Wimbledon Park Primary School, we are proud to support the Smartphone-Free Childhood Campaign, an initiative dedicated to promoting healthier, happier childhoods free from the pressures of early smartphone use https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/about-us/our-mission

Research is showing us that smartphones and social media can have serious downsides for children and teenagers, such as:

• Impact on mental health (increased rates of anxiety and depression).
• Difficulty with attention and sleep.
• Risks of cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content (such as violent or inappropriate material).
• Addictive tendencies, which can pull children away from learning essential life skills.

The campaign was launched in response to growing concerns about the impact of smartphones on children’s mental health, social development, and academic focus. Studies have shown that excessive screen time can affect sleep, reduce physical activity, and hinder the development of essential interpersonal skills. By encouraging a smartphone-free lifestyle for younger children, the campaign aims to foster creativity, curiosity, and meaningful connections with family and friends. Over 90% of 12-year-olds already have a smartphone! But the earlier children are exposed to smartphones, the greater the risks—especially during the vital years of brain development.

At Wimbledon Park Primary School, staff and governors are taking action. We are committed to maintaining a smartphone-free school environment around our children by:

• Asking staff not to use their phones in school at any time around children (unless in an urgent safety situation)
• Asking children not to bring any smartphone to school (if parents really want to track/communicate with their child to and from school, then we ask parents to buy a non-smart phone or use an air tag)
• Asking parents not to be on their phones when in the school playground