There has been a lot of research about the impact of smartphones on pupils. As a school we are particularly concerned about the safeguarding implications for our pupils. We have also noticed concerning changes in behaviours and attitudes of those pupils who spend a lot of time online.

Negative impact includes:

• Mental health concerns – Early smartphone use correlates with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among girls.
• Exposure to harmful content – Online risks such as grooming, bullying, and age-inappropriate material are widespread.
• Reduced focus and academic performance – Smartphones significantly impact concentration and learning.
• Social development – Excessive screen time limits real-world interaction, play, and physical activity.
• Addiction risks – Studies suggest smartphones affect young brains similarly to gambling.
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• Please see the leaflet in the section below which outlines a campaign, led by parents, to try and reduce the impact of smart phones on children.

A number of other schools have shared with us that some pupils, through the use of TikTok, have inadvertently come across inappropriate social media content of suicide. As parents and carers you play a key role in keeping your children safe online and we recommend the following sites which can help you to keep your child safe:

• www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/talking-child-online-safety/
• www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers
• www.thinkuknow.co.uk/parents/
• www.ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/

NetAware is an organisation recommended by the NSPCC which reviews around 40 of the most popular social networking sites, apps and games currently used by young people. Information includes:

• suitable ages
• privacy settings
• appropriate content
• safety and support settings

It can be found by following this link:

https://www.net-aware.org.uk/