Tips for presenting to secondary school leaders
[.style-intro]First of all, thank you. You’re stepping up to start a conversation that could make a massive difference for kids, families, and schools. We know it’s not always easy, but this guide will help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to bring school leaders on board.[.style-intro]
This is about collective action, not blame
Before anything else, let’s be crystal clear: this is no one's fault – not schools, not families, not kids themselves. No one saw this coming, and now we’re all just trying to figure it out together.
And that’s exactly the point. This isn’t a problem schools can solve alone, or that families should have to handle by themselves. We need a collective solution. When we act together, real change happens – and fast.
Momentum is building – this is already happening
It’s important to communicate that this isn’t some far-fetched idea; it’s happening right now in schools across the country, and it’s working. Schools that have gone smartphone-free report:
✅ Better focus in lessons
✅ Happier, more engaged students
✅ Fewer social conflicts and bullying issues
✅ A calmer, more connected school environment
✅ Happier teachers, with better retention rates
More schools are taking action every day, and once a few make the change, others follow. School leaders need to see that this isn’t just possible; it’s already happening around them.
Understanding school leaders’ reality
Most school leaders get that smartphones are causing huge problems – social issues, distraction, anxiety. But here’s the thing: their plates are already overflowing. Between academic pressures, staffing challenges, and safeguarding worries, tackling phone use might feel like just another problem dumped on their desk. Some will even say, “This is a parenting issue,” and try to put it back to families.
That’s where you come in. Your job is to show them that they actually hold the key to change – and that taking action won’t add to their workload, but make life easier.
Understanding secondary schools: start small, think big
By Year 7, most kids already have smartphones. Creating change is tougher in secondaries than primaries and we get that.
Instead of pushing for a whole-school ban overnight, you could recommend starting with Year 7 – the entry point. Many secondaries are already moving towards a ‘no smartphones in school’ policy for younger students, then rolling it up through the years. This approach feels realistic, reduces pushback, and sets the right precedent for incoming students.
The key? Solutions, not just problems. Offer ideas on how to make it work and make it clear SFC is here to help. Schools don’t need to figure it all out alone – support is out there.
Key messages to get across
- Schools have more power than they think
When schools act, families listen. We’ve seen it happen overnight – one clear decision from a school leader, and suddenly the culture of an entire community starts to shift. But some heads underestimate their own influence. School leaders don’t have to wait for governments or even local councils to take action, they can create change immediately. They need to hear that they have the power to lead this change.
- Going smartphone-free doesn’t have to be a massive, overwhelming project. Some schools have done it in a single meeting, while others take a more gradual approach. It’s not necessarily easy, but it doesn’t have to be a big deal either. Some school leaders worry about backlash, but in most cases, once the decision is made and communicated well, the shift happens with much less resistance than expected. The truth is, many families are relieved when the decision is taken out of their hands.
- Now is the best time to get a commitment
If you’re presenting to decision makers, this is a golden opportunity. The best time to agree on something is while everyone is in the room. Don’t leave the room without agreeing a tangible next step! Don’t be afraid to ask directly:
- Can we agree today to work towards a smartphone-free school culture?
- What’s the first step we can take together?
- Give space for questions and pushback
Some school leaders will be all-in immediately. Others might hesitate – they’ll worry about parental pushback, enforcement, or kids needing phones for safety. That’s okay. The goal here isn’t to ‘win’ an argument – it’s to start a conversation.
Understanding the source of their concerns is a victory in the first meeting. If you can understand why they're nervous, you can start to address their concerns
Be ready to listen, acknowledge concerns, and remind them: plenty of schools have done this already, and it’s worked. If they want proof, share stories of schools where kids are thriving without smartphones in their pockets. Nothing convinces people like seeing it work elsewhere. There are examples and statistics in our Parent to Secondary Leaders presentations you can refer to.
- Follow up and keep the momentum going
After the meeting, don’t let the energy fizzle out. Send a follow-up email with key resources and next steps. If they’re interested, offer to present to other local school networks or family groups. Keep the conversation going – this is how real change happens.
In summary
This is about creating a culture where kids can grow, learn, and build real-life connections – free from the pressures of 24/7 online life. It’s not about taking anything away, but about giving them something better.
And the best part? It’s totally possible. We’ve seen it happen in schools, communities, even entire cities. With the right conversations, the right leadership, and a little bit of courage, we can make this shift together.
You’ve got this. 💪
Need further support or advice?
📩 Contact us at community@smartphonefreechildhood.com and we’ll do our best to help.
