At Silverdale, we believe that young people deserve time and space to learn, talk, think, play and build relationships without the constant distraction of a smartphone.

That is why Silverdale is a phone-free school. This is not about being anti-technology. It is about recognising that smartphones are powerful devices, and that for children and young people, having some time away from them can make a real difference.

We have been promoting the benefits of delaying smartphone ownership since 2024, and we are proud to be working with Smartphone Free Childhood to support our families and wider community.

Our phone-free approach

All students must have their phones switched off and securely put away in their bags before they come onto the Silverdale site. Phones should remain switched off and out of sight throughout the school day, in line with our school expectations.

This clear boundary helps us create a consistent environment in which students can focus on learning, connect with others and take part fully in school life.

Why are we phone-free?

Our approach is rooted in something simple: we want our students to be present.

• Better attention and learning: Without the constant distraction of notifications, messages and social media, students can focus more fully on their learning.
• A safer school: A phone-free school reduces opportunities for cyberbullying, online pressure and inappropriate use of technology during the school day, helping us create a safer environment for everyone.
• Better wellbeing: Being constantly connected can make it difficult for young people to switch off. Creating time away from smartphones gives students more opportunity for genuine face-to-face interaction and connection.
• More time to be active and present: Time away from screens can support better sleep, concentration, physical activity and opportunities to spend time with friends in person.

Working with parents and carers

We know this isn't always easy.

Getting the balance right with smartphones is one of the challenges of modern parenting. We know that families have different circumstances. Some children travel independently, some need to be contactable, and some families have already given their child a smartphone while others are choosing to wait.

There is no judgement here. Our role is to work alongside families and provide practical support, information and opportunities to make informed decisions. We want parents and carers to feel supported rather than pressured.

Making the decision together

One of the biggest challenges parents tell us about is peer pressure. It can be difficult to say “not yet” when it feels as though everyone else's child has a smartphone.

This is why collective action matters. Smartphone Free Childhood brings families together through its Parent Pact, helping parents and carers who want to delay smartphones to do so together rather than feeling that they are making the decision alone.

“Not yet” becomes a perfectly normal answer.

What can parents and carers do?

• Talk to your child – have an open conversation about why smartphones can be useful, but also why there may be benefits to waiting.
• Talk to other parents – you may find that other families have exactly the same concerns and questions.
• Consider whether your child actually needs a smartphone – there are alternatives for children who need to contact family or travel independently.
• Don't feel pressured – there is no requirement to give your child a smartphone simply because other children have one.
• Use the support available – Smartphone Free Childhood provides practical resources for parents.

Already given your child a smartphone?

That's okay.

Our phone-free approach at school isn't about judging families for decisions they have already made. If your child already has a smartphone, you can still make changes to how and when it is used.

• Introduce phone-free times at home.
• Keep phones out of bedrooms at night.
• Switch off unnecessary notifications.
• Review which apps and social media platforms your child uses.
• Establish clear boundaries around screen time.
• Explore whether your child needs all of the functions their smartphone provides.

Why we are working with Smartphone Free Childhood

We are working with Smartphone Free Childhood because we believe this is most effective when schools and families work together. Their approach is about collective action, practical support and giving parents confidence.

For Silverdale, this fits closely with our commitment to Belonging. We want our students to feel that school is a place where they can be themselves, develop relationships and experience life without always needing to be connected to a screen.

Our message to families

You don't have to navigate this alone. Smartphones are now part of everyday life. We are not pretending otherwise. But we can choose where they belong, when they are useful and when children benefit from being without them.

At Silverdale, we will continue to provide a phone-free school environment where students can focus on learning, connect with their friends and enjoy being present. We will also continue to work with parents and carers to make the wider conversation around smartphones practical, supportive and non-judgemental.

Together, we can make “not yet” easier.

Useful resources for parents and carers

Smartphone Free Childhood: Practical advice, resources and support for families.

Parent resources: Guidance on talking to your child, alternatives to smartphones, sleepovers, playdates and more.

Phone-free at school. Supported at home. Together as a community.