Schools pledge to become smartphone-free

Four schools in one county have each signed a pledge with the aim of becoming smartphone-free.

The headteachers of Kempsey, Welland and Hanley Swan Primaries, along with Hanley Castle High, all in Worcestershire, sent a letter to parents asking them to consider not getting their children a smartphone until they were in at least Year 9.

The head teacher of Kempsey, Bryony Baynes, said she knew of children as young as five who have smartphones.

"We're not saying never have a smartphone," she said. "We're just saying think about when you give it."

The four schools - part of the Hanley and Upton Educational Trust - are supporting the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign group, which encourages parents to delay giving smartphones to their children.

Ms Baynes said she recently had to deal with an incident involving a WhatsApp group between a group of Year 6 girls which was causing problems by stirring up jealousy.

"None if this would have started if it hadn't been for the WhatsApp group," said Ms Baynes.

"In my day…you left your problems at school and you went home.

"I know from my own children the access to social media through their phones feeds anxieties, lack of confidence."

Ms Baynes said that so far, parents seemed to be on board with the idea.

"I haven't had anyone throwing smartphones at me as I get out of my car in the morning," she said.

The school is planning to start speaking to children about smartphones and social media in the new year.

"It's about educating them as much as it is about talking to parents", said Ms Baynes.