Smartphone Policy at Waterside Primary Academy

In partnership with local schools across Chesham, Amersham, Great Missenden, The Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross and Denham

At Waterside Primary Academy, we are proud to be working alongside a group of local schools across Chesham, Amersham, Great Missenden, The Chalfonts, Gerrards Cross and Denham to introduce a shared approach to smartphone use.

This is an important step we are taking together to support children’s wellbeing, safeguarding and learning, and to ensure a consistent message for families across our local communities.

Our Policy at Waterside Primary Academy

From the start of the next academic year, Waterside Primary Academy will not allow pupils to bring smartphones or smart watches onto the school site.

This means:

• Pupils should not bring smartphones to school
• Smart watches with internet or messaging functions are also not permitted
• Children should attend school ready to learn, free from personal smart devices

This policy applies to all pupils across the school day and on the school site.

Why We Are Making This Change

While smartphones can be useful in adult life, there is growing evidence that early use can have a negative impact on children’s wellbeing, development and learning.

As a school, we are committed to:

• Supporting children’s focus and concentration in lessons
• Promoting healthy friendships and face-to-face social interaction
• Reducing safeguarding risks linked to online access
• Encouraging positive routines around sleep, wellbeing and attention
• Creating a calm, focused learning environment for all pupils

We also recognise that children’s use of smartphones outside school plays an important role, which is why we believe strong partnership with parents and carers is essential.

Exceptions

We will always take a sensitive and individual approach where there is a clear medical need for a device.

For example, exceptions may be made for children who require technology for medical conditions such as type 1 diabetes or other health-related monitoring needs.

Any exceptions will be agreed directly with the school.

Supporting Families

We understand that many families feel pressure for children to have smartphones at a young age.

As part of this wider approach, we encourage parents and carers to consider:

• Delaying smartphones until children are older, where possible
• Delaying access to social media until at least age 16
• Using a basic, non-internet enabled phone if a child needs to be contactable for safety or travel reasons

A consistent approach across local schools helps to support families in making confident and informed decisions.