At King’s High we believe in the vital importance of connection, belonging and relationships and we know that young people thrive and flourish without the constant presence of smartphones and social media. As a school community, we do not require any student to bring a phone to school – in fact, for students in Key Stage 3, we discourage this wherever possible.

Our priority is to support students to build meaningful relationships with their peers in person. A phone-free environment fosters a sense of community and belonging and enables our students to focus on their personal growth and development. We are committed to providing an environment that supports the holistic development of our students without the distraction of smartphones.

In 2024 we introduced lockable, signal-blocking phone pouches for all pupils in Years 7-11. The pouches are provided by the school and, each morning, form tutors supervise students locking their phones away. On their way home, students are able to tap their pouch on one of our many unlocking stations placed at exit points.

Our Sixth Form students are allowed to access their phones in the Sixth Form Centre only and they are not required to use a phone pouch as we work with our students to help them to build positive habits around managing phone use.

From September 2025, students in Y7-11 are not permitted to bring a smart watch into school.

It is important to note that students do not need to bring a phone to school – we use lockable, Yondr pouches for when parents choose to send their child to school with a phone. A growing number of students do not bring a phone to school and we are strongly encouraging our parents of new Year 7 students to delay buying their child a smartphone until at least the end of Year 9. If parents feel their child needs a phone, we would suggest they provide a basic phone which does not allow access to the internet and social media.

Five tips before buying your child a smartphone:

1. Assess the need
   Consider why your child needs a smartphone. Is it for safety, communication, or social reasons? Understanding the primary purpose can help you determine if a smartphone is necessary or if other devices might suffice.
    
2. Be informed
   Consider the growing body of research around smartphone usage by young people so you are fully informed about the advantages and growing concerns about impact on sleep, mental health and concentration.
    
3. Talk openly to your child
   Include your child in your decision-making so that you can listen to their feelings and they can understand the importance you are attaching to the decision.
    
4. Evaluate maturity
   Reflect on your child's maturity level and ability to handle the responsibility of owning a smartphone. Include them in the conversation and educate them about the advantages and disadvantages of smartphones. Can they follow rules, manage their time effectively, and understand the importance of online privacy? A mature approach to these aspects is crucial and will increase annually.
    
5. Consider alternatives
   Explore other options like basic mobile phones or air-tags that offer essential communication and tracking features without the distractions of a full-fledged smartphone. These alternatives can provide a balance between connectivity and focus.

Five tips if your child has a smartphone:

1. Add parental controls and agree parental checks
   Most phones have built-in controls to utilise but there are a number of enhanced options available from third parties. Agree that you will have access to the phone to monitor how it is being used (including the language your child is utilising)  and to keep your child safe.  Remember that teenagers are increasingly good at circumventing any controls put in place and will often have multiple social media accounts which they may keep hidden.
    
2. Limit screen time
   Discuss a daily screen time. Setting expectations early can help prevent misuse and help ensure the device is used responsibly.
    
3. Enable teenagers to get enough sleep
   Consider making the hour before bedtime screen free and ensure there is no access to screens overnight to promote a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation is very common amongst teenagers and has a significant impact on their wellbeing and this is one of the most effective ways of reducing the negative impact of smartphones.
    
4. Establish tech-free spaces and activities
   Encourage mealtime conversations by not allowing screens to be used whilst eating. Promote activities where screens are not available and consider having occasional family ‘screen detox’ events so everyone can disconnect, recharge, and connect with each other face-to-face.
    
5. Educate on digital citizenship
   Teach your child about digital citizenship, including the importance of respectful online behaviour, understanding the permanence of digital footprints, and recognising the signs of cyberbullying. Educating young people early can help them navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.