UplandSmartphone Free Childhood
From September 2026, our school will be smartphone-free for all children. That means no smartphones on school grounds – for any year group. This isn’t about banning or restricting; it’s about creating the kind of space we believe our children thrive in. A place where focus, creativity, friendships and real connection come first.
We’ve all been put in an impossible position, including families, schools – and children themselves – when it comes to smartphones. The pressure to hand one over seems to come earlier and earlier, but the truth is, so many of us feel uneasy about it. We want to let you know: if you’ve ever felt that tug in your gut – the “is this too soon?” feeling – you’re not alone. You’re in good company.
That’s why we’re supporting a growing grassroots movement called Smartphone Free Childhood. It’s not a top-down campaign. It’s a bottom-up one, driven by families, carers, teachers, and kids – all trying to figure this out together. It’s about creating healthier childhoods, and giving kids the chance to learn, grow and thrive, free from the pull of addictive algorithms and 24/7 internet in their pockets.
So what’s changing at Upland Primary School?
From next academic year:
- Smartphones will not be allowed on school grounds for any children.
- Children who travel to or from school independently may bring a simple, non-smart mobile (just calls/texts), with permission. These must be handed to the office on arrival and collected at the end of the day.
- Smart watches will also not be permitted.
- If there are exceptional circumstances that require your child to bring a smartphone into school each day, for example if it is used as a medical device, this will be supported through Individual Health Care Plans (IHPs)
Want to connect with other families?
You can find out more and join the local Smartphone Free Childhood WhatsApp group here, and if you’d like to sign the Parent Pact to delay giving your child a smartphone, you can do that here. This isn’t about judgement – it’s about finding strength in numbers, and knowing you’re not the only one swimming against the tide.
Thank you for helping us create a school environment where our kids can stay kids just a little bit longer.
