From September 2026 Claremont Primary School will be a smartphone free school for pupils. 

This means that children will not be allowed to bring smartphones into school (or on any school trips or residentials) for any reason, other than for medical reasons, such as managing diabetes. In addition, we do not allow children to bring in smart watches, any internet enabled or tracking devices to school or on school trips.  Personal mobile or smart technology devices that have been confiscated will be held in the school office and only released to parents/carers at the end of the school day.  We believe this approach supports parents who may be considering delaying purchasing a smartphone for their child.  We appreciate your support in promoting a healthy learning environment for all our pupils. 

Evidence highlights clear wellbeing benefits, including—but not limited to—reduced anxiety, social pressure, and exposure to harmful online content, while also promoting healthier sleep and calmer classrooms. Research further shows that children without smartphones engage more in face‑to‑face friendships, imaginative play and creative problem‑solving, building the social and emotional foundations essential for healthy development.  

According to Ofcom, their latest study into children’s media and online habits shows that four in 10 children aged 8-17 (39%) have experienced bullying, either on or offline. Among these children, the bullying was more likely to happen on a device (84%) than face-to-face (61%). 

The most common way for children to be bullied via technology was through text or messaging apps (56%), followed by social media (43%) or online games (30%). *Taken from Threat of online bullying greater than offline 

Our Mobile and Smart Technology Policy will be on this website in September.

The websites below may provide some useful information for anyone who would like to know more: 

Smartphone Alternatives for Kids 
Smartphone Free Childhood | Resources for Parents 
Delay Smartphones 
SFC Schools Network 

Smartphones

At Claremont, we recommend that parents carefully consider the links between evidenced-based-research on the use of smartphones, and the impact on maintaining positive mental wellbeing, before purchasing a smartphone for their child. Research from the Children's Commissioner has found that one in five children aged 8-12 have been exposed to harmful online content including cyberbullying and extreme content through smartphone access.

If you would like to understand more about parental controls, and alternative phones you can contact the Smartphone Free Childhood Ambassadors at our school: Mr Beal, Mrs Pringle and Dr O'Brien, through the SFC network or your class representative. Join your local Smartphone Free Childhood WhatsApp Community

Many of our families have engaged with SMARTPHONE FREE CHILDHOOD and signed the Parent Pact which is a pledge to delay giving our children the smartphone before fourteen. Please find details following the link. Sign the Parent Pact | Smartphone Free Childhood

Smartphone Free Childhood is a charity supporting ALL parents, whatever your concerns. 

Visitors and volunteers 

Visitors and volunteers MUST NOT use their mobile phones in school. Phones must be kept securely in a bag, not a pocket. If it is absolutely necessary for that device to be used, we ask that it is used in areas where no pupils are present. Under no circumstances should photographs be taken while they are supporting the school as a volunteer.