Progression in technology is a certainty, and while we aim to create an environment at the Lower School where ‘children can be children,’ we must also be mindful that they need to be surefooted and prepared for any unforeseen challenges ahead. A significant part of the children’s learning in Computing Lessons and PSHE is dedicated to understanding how to be safe in an online world.
At Lower School, smartphones are not allowed, and any use of technology is carefully monitored. This is not to restrict children but to protect them from an online space that is largely unregulated. Social media, in particular, has become a pariah—an intrusive force that erodes childhood innocence, damages self-esteem, and disrupts the natural development of friendships. Instead of learning how to navigate social interactions in real life, many children are drawn into a digital world where validation is measured in likes, comments, and fleeting online approval rather than meaningful, face-to-face connections.
Real friendships are built on shared experiences, emotional intelligence, and the ability to read social cues—skills that cannot be honed through a screen. By keeping smartphones out of our Lower School environment, we preserve the opportunity for children to develop these vital skills. They learn to resolve conflicts through conversation, experience the joy of unstructured play, and understand the value of being truly present with those around them.
As adults, we have a responsibility to guide children through this rapidly changing digital world without sacrificing the essence of childhood. The online realm will always be there, and in due time, they will learn to navigate it safely and wisely. But for now, our priority remains clear: let children be children. Let them laugh, explore, and build friendships the way generations before them have—with curiosity, imagination, and genuine human connection.
Resisting the pressure to get a smartphone for your child can be tough, especially when they see their peers with one. Here are some practical tips to help you stay firm in your decision:
Clarify Your Reasons
- Be clear on why you don’t want your child to have a smartphone yet. Whether it’s screen time concerns, online safety, or social pressure, having solid reasons will help you stay firm.
Offer Alternatives
- Consider a basic phone that only allows calls and texts.
- If they need internet access for school, a family tablet or shared device at home can work.
Connect Them in Other Ways
- Encourage face-to-face interactions, playdates, or activities that reduce the need for digital communication.
- Encourage them to engage in hobbies and sports where phone use isn’t the focus.
Find Like-Minded Parents
- Connect with other parents who share similar views. If your child’s friends also don’t have smartphones, they’ll feel less left out.
Lead by Example
- Show that you can manage screen time responsibly. If you’re constantly on your phone, your child will feel it’s an essential part of life.
Prepare for Peer Pressure
- Role-play responses with your child so they feel confident when explaining to friends why they don’t have a smartphone.
- Encourage self-confidence and resilience by reinforcing that they don’t need to follow the crowd.
If you’re a parent who feels pressured into giving your child a smartphone but have concerns about the impact on their wellbeing, you’re not alone! There’s a growing movement of families choosing to delay smartphones for their children—and you can join them.
Visit https://smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk and sign the pact to stand with other parents who are prioritising real-world connections, healthy development, and online safety for their children.
By signing the pact, you’ll:
- Join a community of like-minded parents
- Get resources to navigate the challenges of raising children in a digital world
- Feel empowered to say “no” to unnecessary smartphone pressure
Head of Lower School