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Basingstoke schools - working together - changing culture - reclaiming childhood - improving futures
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About
About
As Headteachers, we see the impact smartphones have on our pupils. Whilst tech can be great, smartphones have changed our children's childhood - and not always for the better.
We also know it's really hard for parents to go against the culture of children having a smartphone at a young age, because "everyone else is doing it".
The evidence is becoming really clear that smartphones often harm childhood. Parents can see this but are often feel powerless to do anything about it.
WHAT's Happening?
WHAT's Happening?
Basingstoke primary schools are working together to:
Help parents understand the impact of smartphones, and to encourage them to sign the Parent Pact. This means they will delay owning a smartphone until the end of Year 9.
Ban smartphones from coming into school - only simple (brick) phones will be allowed for those in Years 5 or 6.
What changes are Basingstoke schools making?
What changes are Basingstoke schools making?
In most schools, pupils are currently allowed to bring in phones from Year 5 and 6. They are handed in at the beginning of the day and given out at the end.
Pupils in Years R-4 typically aren't allowed to bring in mobile phones; this will remain the same.
From September 2025, only pupils in Year 6 will be allowed to bring in Smartphones (and hand in at the classroom door). Year 5 pupils must not bring in a smartphone at all. Simple/Brick/Feature phones can be brought in by those in Year 5.
From September 2026, no pupils will be allowed to bring in smartphones at all (not even to hand in at the door). Simple/Brick/Feature phones can be brought in by those in Years 5 and 6.
Which schools are taking part?
Which schools are taking part?
Ashford Hill Primary School
Burnham Copse Primary
Castle Hill Primary
Great Binfields
Hatch Warren Junior School
Kings Furlong Infant School & Nursery
Kings Furlong Junior School
Merton Infant School
Oakley Church of England Junior School
Oakridge Schools Federation
Overton CE Primary
Park View Primary School
Rucstall Primary School
St John's CofE (Aided) Primary School
St Mark's Church of England Primary School
St Martin's CE (Aided) Primary School
St Mary Bourne Primary School
St Mary's Church of England Junior School
The Priory Primary School
Whitchurch C of E Primary
What is a brick Phone?
What is a brick Phone?
A brick phone (also called a dumbphone or feature phone) is a basic mobile phone that primarily offers call and text messaging capabilities, while a smartphone is a more advanced mobile device with internet access and a wide range of apps. Brick phones are generally simpler and less feature-rich than smartphones, often lacking internet access, apps, and complex operating systems.
Smartphone Free Childhood recommends that... "When you get a SIM card for your child’s phone, make sure that it has NO DATA roaming, only calls and texts so that there is no chance that they can access the internet. Currently Asda are the only company that are offering this."
Some examples of brick phones available to buy - Amazon - Argos
Resources for schools
Resources for schools
An editable Word document that can be edited and shared with parents. Don't forget to add your logo and any training/webinars you are offering.
An example of how you could update your website. Feel free to copy anything!
PowerPoint Presentation for Basingstoke Schools to share with parents
https://hampshireparentpact.smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk/ - Link for Hampshire Parent Pact
https://www.papayaparents.com - Excellent training for parents and schools
https://smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk/resources - Further resources from SFC
A future conversation
A future conversation
An extract taken from "Why we banned Smartphones":
I have always been fascinated by what teachers a hundred years from now will think about our current societal norms. I am increasingly of the belief that the conversation will go something like this:
My great great granddaughter: So you gave small children phones which allowed them access to all knowledge of good and evil in the world?
Me (but a hologram): Why yes… it’s terribly clever… they can look up absolutely anything – it’s a modern marvel!
My great great granddaughter: Without any protections or adult supervision?
Me (but a hologram): Well, sometimes… but often not….
My great great granddaughter: So lots of children are allowed access to absolutely everything online??
Me (but a hologram): Yes… And videos… although these are mainly suggested by an algorithm on social media.
My great great granddaughter: Educational videos?
Me (but a hologram): Not really. Mainly people fighting, crashing cars and being unkind to one another… Or sometimes trying out make-up… or cats… But it’s great for communication… they can talk to absolutely anyone online – and video chat…
My great great granddaughter: So let me get this straight… You give a small child a device which shows them all the evils of the world, lets them talk to any stranger/ potential abuser and which encourages unhealthy habits and attitudes… Then you let them take this device into their bedroom and close the door…?
Me (but a hologram): …. Yes….
Just because everyone is doing it, doesn’t make it okay.
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