Mobile Phone Policy
Christian values
The specific Christian Values of Love, Respect and Courage underpin, and are intrinsic to the ethos and belief of Saint James Church of England Primary School.
Our vision
At Saint James we accept challenges, take risks and work to make positive change in ourselves and our community.
Focusing on building resilience and compassionate relationships allows everyone to flourish.
Using our Christian values to guide us, we develop skills to navigate rough seas and transform our world.
Be strong and courageous and do it.
1 Chronicles 28:20
Introduction
At Saint James Primary School, we are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all our pupils. Recognising that mobile phones have become ever-present among children, we understand the need for a comprehensive mobile phone policy that addresses the potential dangers associated with their use. This policy aligns with our safeguarding policy and emphasises our commitment to pupil well-being.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to:
- Identify the risks associated with smartphone use.
- Establish guidelines for mobile phone usage within the school environment.
- Promote awareness among pupils, staff, and families about responsible phone use.
- Provide alternatives that eliminate the necessity of purchasing a smartphone for a child.
Risks Associated with Smartphone Use
Smartphones offer advanced features, including internet access and social media, which can lead to various risks:
- Cyberbullying: Smartphones can facilitate harassment, making it difficult for pupils to escape bullying.
- Exposure to Inappropriate Content: Unfiltered internet access can expose children to unsuitable material.
- Mental Health Concerns: Excessive use can contribute to anxiety and depression.
- Distraction from Learning: Smartphones can disrupt the learning process.
- Privacy and Security Risks: Children may not understand how to protect their personal information, leading to exploitation.
- Self-obsession and Personal Curation: The culture of selfies and social media can create confidence issues.
Comparison: Smartphones vs. Brick Phones
- Smartphones: Multifunctional but pose significant risks.
- Brick Phones: Basic devices allowing voice calls and texts without internet access, providing a safer alternative for younger children.
Policy on Smartphone Ownership
Saint James Primary School does not support children under the age of 14 owning a smartphone for the following reasons:
- Development of critical thinking and emotional regulation skills.
- Encouragement of real-life social interactions.
- Reduction of privacy risks and online dangers.
Encouragement of Alternatives
We encourage families to consider alternatives such as electronic tags or trackers for location monitoring instead of smartphones.
Guidelines for Mobile Phone Use
Effective from January 2026, the following guidelines will be implemented:
- Prohibition of Smartphones: Pupils may not bring smartphones to school unless medically required.
- Brick Phones (Year 5 & 6 only): If necessary, only brick phones are allowed, which must be handed in to the class teacher upon arrival.
- Prohibited Devices: Other internet-linked devices (e.g., smartwatches) are not permitted.
Confiscation Policy
- Any smartphone or internet-linked device found on school premises will be confiscated and returned only to a parent or carer.
- Brick phones discovered during school hours will also be confiscated and returned to a parent or carer.
- Repeated violations may result in detention.
Communicating the Policy
- The mobile phone policy will be communicated to all members of the school community, including pupils and parents, to ensure clarity and consistency in its implementation.
- Regular reminders will be provided to pupils about the policy and its rationale. Roles and Responsibilities
Staff
- All staff are responsible for consistently enforcing the school’s mobile phone policy.
- Staff should refrain from using their own mobile phones for personal reasons in front of children during school hours to model appropriate behaviour.
Pupils
- Pupils are expected to understand and comply with the mobile phone policy.
- They will be educated about the risks associated with mobile phones and the benefits of a mobile phone-free environment.
Parents
- Parents are encouraged to support the school’s policy and discuss its importance with their children.
- In case of urgent communication, parents should contact the school office rather than their child directly.
Sanctions
- The school reserves the right to use sanctions for breaches of the mobile phone policy, including confiscation and detention.
- Staff are protected from liability when confiscating items if they act lawfully and proportionately.
Reporting Concerns
If any pupil, staff member, or family has concerns regarding mobile phone use, they should report it to the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. All concerns will be treated seriously and addressed in line with the school’s safeguarding and behaviour policies.
Conclusion
Saint James Church of England Primary School is committed to fostering a safe and productive learning environment. This mobile phone policy, along with our safeguarding policy, addresses the potential dangers of smartphones while promoting responsible habits among pupils. We invite parents to collaborate with us in creating a culture of safety and respect within our school community. For further information, we encourage parents to visit the Smartphone Free Childhood website for resources and support related to children's smartphone use. Together, we can help protect our pupils from the dangers of smartphones and guide them toward healthier technology use.