Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free

Voluntary Collective Agreement

  The use of smartphones, mobile phones, smart devices and other technologies has become an integral part of daily life for people of all ages. 

Background:

Earlier this academic year, a ‘Smart Device Safety Committee’ was formed across S.N. Bhaile Chláir Na Gaillimhe (Claregalway National School) and Claregalway Educate Together N.S.  This committee is made up of school management and parents from both schools.  We're uniting to support the Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free movement by collectively agreeing to delay giving smartphones to our children during their primary school years. Similar agreements have been rolled out in other schools in the surrounding areas.  On hearing from those schools that are further along in the process, feedback is that parents feel more supported knowing there is a large body of parents willing to voluntarily sign up to this agreement.  

Why?

Educators and mental health professionals are increasingly aware of the potential negative impacts of smartphone and smart device  use on children. Key concerns include:

  1. A globally observable rise in anxiety among children linked to smartphone use.

  2. Exposure to risks such as cyberbullying and harmful or disturbing content.

  3. Exposure to content which is not age appropriate. 

  4. Adverse effects on the developing brain - socially, emotionally, and educationally- particularly in children under 14.

In response to this and in alignment with the Department of Education’s guidance on Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free, the Wellbeing Framework and the Cinéaltas Action Plan on Bullying, the smart device safety committee of Claregalway ETNS and SN Bhaile Chláir na Gaillimhe have collaborated to address this issue. Together, we have researched parental views and drafted a voluntary agreement aimed at fostering a unified approach to managing students’ use of mobile devices.

 A collective decision to delay smartphone ownership among primary school students can help reduce peer pressure and empower parents to resist early demands from their children. For example, 90% of parents who responded to the survey in both CETNS and SN Bhaile Chláir have agreed to participate in the “Voluntary Collective Agreement,” reflecting a strong, shared commitment across both school communities.

The voluntary collective agreement will:

·   Commit you to delay providing your child(ren) with their own smartphone or smart device while in primary school. 

·   Complement the school’s smart device policy, which will state that students are not permitted to bring mobile phones, smart watches with a calling function, or devices onto school premises.. 

We recognise that as part of the school’s education programme some pupils have supervised access to technology and online educational resources to support their learning 

and enhance their learning experience. Access to and use of the internet during the school day is outlined in the school’s Acceptable Internet Usage Policy (AUP) and the voluntary collective agreement does not interfere with this.

Whilst the parent body consensus (as per results of the survey completed) is supportive of the voluntary collective agreement, we also respect each family’s right to decide whether their children have access to a smartphone or smart device.

Key points:

1. All information is confidential and results will only be assimilated by class group as a percentage.

2. The agreement recognises that every family has different priorities and opinions in relation to internet access and smartphone use.

3. It is not a solution in itself to the growing problem, but it is potentially one tool which may be helpful to those who wish to avail of it.

Click here or scan the below QR code to complete the agreement before May 16th. 

Please complete a separate form for each child.

The parents’ association respects each family’s right to decide whether or not their children have access to the internet or a smartphone and there is no obligation to return this form if you do not wish to do so.

Once signed you can print this document to remind everyone of your commitment to the voluntary agreement!