Tips for presenting to primary school leaders

[.style-intro]First of all, thank you. You’re stepping up to start a conversation that could make a huge difference for children, families, and schools. We know it’s not always easy, but the aim of this guide is to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to bring school leaders on board.[.style-intro]

Understanding primary school leaders’ reality

Primary school leaders already have a strong focus on child development, social-emotional learning, and wellbeing. Many are deeply aware of the impact of screen time but may assume this is a secondary school issue. Some may say, “Our pupils don’t have smartphones yet,” or “This is a parenting issue.”

That’s where you come in. Your role is to show them that early intervention is key – primary schools have a unique opportunity to set children up with healthy habits before smartphones become an issue. Helping families delay smartphone use is one of the most effective ways to support children’s wellbeing and learning.

Primary schools: setting the standard early

Unlike in secondary schools, where most students already have smartphones, primary schools are in a position to shape expectations before these devices become a daily norm.

Instead of reacting to problems later, primary schools can:

• Establish a clear message that smartphones are not necessary in primary years
• Provide guidance for families on delaying smartphone use
• Emphasise the importance of face-to-face play, creativity, and social interaction over screen time
• Work with local secondaries to create a consistent approach across school transitions

The key? Prevention, not just intervention. Primary schools can help families make informed choices before the pressure to have a smartphone becomes overwhelming.

Key messages to get across

Schools have more influence than they think

Primary schools play a huge role in shaping family culture. When schools provide clear guidance, parents listen. Many families struggle with smartphone decisions, and they appreciate strong leadership from schools that reassures them that delaying smartphone use is a good choice.

Going smartphone-free (or strongly discouraging smartphone use in the primary years) doesn’t have to be complicated or controversial. Many schools have done this simply by making it a clear expectation and providing support for parents to hold the line.

This is about collective action

No one predicted how much smartphones would impact childhood, and now we’re all trying to navigate the best way forward together.

Let’s be clear from the start: Schools can’t solve this alone, and families shouldn’t have to either. We need a collective approach. When communities act together, real change happens – and fast.

Supporting parents with the Parent Pact is a great place to start

One great way to start the conversation between schools and parents is for schools to  support parents who are promoting the Parent Pact in their year groups. The Parent Pact is a parent-led initiative, but if schools support parents it can make a big difference. Many primary schools have mentioned the initiative in newsletters or on their websites.

If primary school leaders are concerned about how parents might react to them supporting the Parent Pact, there's a great School Survey tool on the SFC website to gauge parental attitudes toward smartphones. This helps build an inclusive conversation and ensures that families feel heard and involved in the process.

This is about more than just smartphones

A smartphone-free childhood isn’t just about keeping devices out of school; it’s about fostering the best possible environment for children to grow, learn, and connect with others. It’s about prioritising play, imagination, and in-person relationships over screen time.

Our central message is that every child deserves the chance to grow up free from the addictive-by-design, profit-driven algorithms and toxic content of smartphones and social media. 

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 to establish a clear message that primary-aged children do not need smartphones?
• What’s the first step we can take together?

Give space for questions and concerns

Some school leaders will be fully on board from the start. Others might have concerns – they may worry about resistance from parents or how to communicate this message effectively. That’s okay. The goal here isn’t to ‘win’ an argument, it’s to start a conversation.

Understanding what’s making them hesitant is a win in the first meeting. If you can understand why they're nervous, you can start to address their concerns

Be ready to listen, acknowledge any doubts, and remind them: plenty of schools have already done this successfully. If they want proof, share examples of schools where children are thriving without smartphones in their pockets. Nothing convinces people like seeing it work elsewhere.

Follow up and keep the momentum going

After the meeting, don’t let the conversation fade. Send a follow-up email with key resources and next steps. If they’re interested, offer to present to other local school networks or parents. Keep the conversation going – this is how real change happens.

In summary

This is about creating a childhood where kids can grow, learn, and build real-life connections  – free from the pressures of 24/7 online life, accessed through a smartphone in their pocket. It’s not about taking anything away, but about giving them something better.

And the best part? It’s completely possible. Schools, communities, and even entire cities are already making this shift. With the right conversations, the right leadership, and a little bit of courage, we can make this change together.

You’ve got this. 💪

Need further support or advice?

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📩 Contact us at community@smartphonefreechildhood.com and we’ll do our best to help.

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