Becoming a Smartphone Free School

From September 2026

At Chingford Church of England Primary School, we will be becoming a smartphone free school. From September 2026, children in our school will not be permitted to bring a smartphone onto the school site. This decision has been taken in partnership with a number of local schools and with the support of the Local Authority.

Why are we making this change?

Our priority is to ensure that all children are safe, happy and able to thrive.

There is increasing evidence that smartphone use in childhood is linked to:

• reduced sleep quality
• increased anxiety and low mood
• exposure to inappropriate content
• online bullying
• reduced face to face social interaction

As a school, we want children to:

• build strong friendships
• develop confidence in real world interactions
• focus fully on their learning
• enjoy their childhood without unnecessary digital pressures

Being smartphone free during the school day supports all of these aims.

What this means in practice

• Smartphones must not be brought into school by pupils
• This applies to all children
• If a phone is brought into school, it will be confiscated and returned in line with the school’s behaviour procedures

If a child needs a device for safety reasons, we recommend:

• a basic mobile phone without internet access, or
• a device that is fully restricted and does not allow access to apps or social media

Working in partnership with parents

School recognises that decisions around technology are different for every family. Our aim is to support parents and carers, not make things more difficult.

By taking a clear and consistent approach across schools, we hope to:

• reduce pressure on families
• support you in delaying smartphone use
• create a shared understanding of what is appropriate for primary aged children

We will work closely with you as this change is introduced.

Further Information

You can read the full letter shared with parents and carers here:

Frequently Asked Questions

What of my child walks to and from school alone?

We understand that some families choose for children to travel independently.

If a phone is needed for safety, a basic mobile phone without internet access is appropriate and allowed.

How can I contact my child during the school day?

Parents and carers should contact the school office in the usual way.
We will always ensure that messages are passed on promptly where needed.

My child already has a smartphone. What should I do?

The schools decision to become a smartphone free school does not tell families what they can or cannot do at home.
However, we strongly encourage delaying smartphone use and limiting access to social media in line with current guidance.

Why is the school taking this decision?

This is a safeguarding decision.

There is a growing body of evidence that early smartphone use can negatively affect children’s mental health, sleep, attention and social development.

As a school, we also recognise the increasing pressure on families to provide smartphones at a young age. By taking a clear and consistent approach across schools, we aim to reduce this pressure and support parents in making decisions that are in the best interests of their children.

We encourage families to delay giving children a smartphone until at least the age of 14, and access to social media until 16.

Are other schools doing this?

Yes. This approach is being adopted collectively by a number of schools across Waltham Forest, supported by the Local Authority. You can see the names of the 34 schools taking part on the letter above and in the link to the Local Authority website.

What happens if my child brings a smartphone to school?

The phone will be confiscated and store securely. The phone will be returned in line with the school’s behaviour policy.
Repeated breaches will be addressed in partnership with parents.

Does this apply to Year 6?

Yes. This applies to all pupils at Chingford Church of England Primary School.

We will support Year 6 pupils and families with transition to secondary school, where expectations may differ.

Will this be reviewed?

Yes. As with all school policies and procedures, this approach will be kept under review to ensure it remains in the best interests of pupils.