Smartphone Free School
What is Smartphone Free Childhood?
This is a national movement aimed at tackling the huge problem that smartphones are creating for our children. The aim is to change the current culture of “everybody has a phone so my child needs one”, thereby protecting them from the serious challenges and safeguarding issues that smartphones present.
As of June 2025, 140,810 pupils are protected by the Pact, and this is across 13,685 schools in the UK, Wow! Can you add to that number? Sign the Pact here.
Where do schools fit in?
We know the peer pressure around buying your child a smartphone. Schools want to help parents and children by (a) helping to spread the word about Smartphone Free Childhood, and (b) changing school rules to make it easier to resist the peer pressure of buying your child a phone.
What are the new rules?
From September 2026, pupils will no longer be allowed to bring smartphones into school.
For Years 5 and 6, the only permitted alternative will be basic “brick” phones (non‑smart devices).
This change is designed to help keep your child safe, reduce distractions, and allow them to enjoy their childhood without the pressures that come with smartphone use.
Where can I buy a brick phone?
Brick phones are phones that are not internet enabled. They still allow calls and texts. They are cheap to buy, too (Amazon, Argos). No data needed for your SIM card. ASDA mobile sell these, for example.
Smart Phone Free School - Letter to Parents
Let’s Talk About Tech – Free webinars
Did you know:
- 51% of UK 11-13 year olds have seen pornography, mostly unintentionally (evidence)
- 73% of parents say excessive smartphone-use is a source of family conflict (evidence)
- Among children aged 8-17 who are bullied, eight in ten experience it through a device (evidence)
We would encourage every parent in Basingstoke to attend the webinar below, irrespective of your child’s age, to find out more about the impact of Smartphones.
When is it, and how do I sign-up?
Did you know?
