Tips for choosing and implementing a smartphone-free policy in your primary school

[.style-intro]Primary schools have a unique window of opportunity. This is where habits form, where peer pressure starts to build – and where we still have real influence. By setting clear boundaries on smartphones now, primary school leaders can play a powerful role in protecting childhood, strengthening focus and behaviour, and supporting families to hold the line.[.style-intro]

Based on the experience of school leaders who’ve successfully implemented smartphone bans in primary schools, here are our top tips for choosing and implementing new smartphone-free policies in your primary school.

1. Understand your why

Before creating or updating your policy, take time to reflect on why this matters. Teachers across the UK consistently report the same issues:

• Online bullying in WhatsApp groups
• Exposure to inappropriate or harmful content
• Anxiety, distraction, and poor sleep
• Erosion of play, creativity and focus in school
• Early exposure to misogynistic influencers and distorted body image norms

Setting a smartphone-free policy isn’t about being anti-tech – it’s about protecting children’s space to grow. And it starts with schools.

2. Choose the right policy for your school

There is no one-size-fits-all model, but for primary schools the most effective policies are clear, enforceable, and set expectations early. Common approaches include:

• No smartphones allowed on school premises: This is the simplest and clearest option. It resets expectations for families and removes the need for daily phone hand-ins.
• Brick phones only: For pupils walking independently, allow basic ‘brick’ phones (call/text only, no apps) with prior agreement. These can be handed in to reception on arrival.
• Walking to school form: Provide a simple form for families who request brick phone permission, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Clear consequences: If smartphones are brought in or used, set a consistent consequence such as confiscation for a set time period. Make this part of your behaviour policy.

As Justine Elbourne-Cload (Executive Head, Cunningham Hill Schools) shared, the key is normalising the idea that primary-aged children simply don’t need smartphones.

3. Make it part of your school culture

A smartphone-free approach is most powerful when it’s part of your school’s ethos. Here’s how to embed the message:

• Display your smartphone-free policy clearly on your website.
• Include the policy in new starter welcome packs.
• Share regular reminders in newsletters and parent communications.
• Run assemblies and PSHE sessions that explore screen time, wellbeing and offline play.

Encourage parents to role-model healthy phone use. As one headteacher told us: "We can’t expect children to self-regulate when we as adults struggle ourselves."

4. Support your parent community

Many parents want to delay smartphones, but feel intense peer pressure. Schools can play a huge role in shifting this.

• Let parents know about the Smartphone Free Childhood Parent Pact, which enables them to join others in delaying smartphones until at least 14, and social media until 16.
• Offer to host a parent-led event or school-wide survey to explore views.
• Include SFC links and resources in school communications.

Parents often tell us that school clarity helps them hold the line at home. As Justine put it: “If we can get children going into secondary with brick phones en masse, then we shift the culture.”

5. Plan your rollout carefully

Launching a new policy? Make sure your whole school community is on board:

• Consult early: Speak with your parent council, governors and PTA before finalising your approach.
• Explain the why: Share the educational and wellbeing reasons clearly.
• Invite feedback: Allow space for parents to ask questions or raise concerns.
• Use collective power: Consider teaming up with other local heads to make the case together.

6. Hold the line

After implementation, consistency is key. Remind staff regularly, and ensure everyone enforces the policy. A one-off letter isn’t enough. You’re reshaping norms, and that takes time and repetition.

As one school leader told us: “There will always be some parents who don’t agree. But once the majority get on board, it becomes the new norm.”

7. Track data

Gathering data on key metrics such as behaviour, safeguarding incidents, truancy and staff wellbeing both before and after the intervention will help you track your successes. Strong evidence will help persuade any wavering parents, and also help inspire other schools to follow your lead.

8. Share your successes

Once the policy is in place, capture what changes. Are there fewer reports of online drama? Are pupils playing more at breaktime? Share these wins in newsletters, open evenings, and staff briefings. Help parents and colleagues see the difference.

And if you’re willing, share your story with SFC. The more examples we can showcase, the faster the momentum grows.

Want to learn more?

Join the SFC Schools Network to connect with other teachers and leaders across the UK who are taking steps to make their schools smartphone free. Share ideas, access resources, and feel supported every step of the way.

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