Not Yet — Saying No to Smartphones in Primary School

Whartons Primary School
“Smartphones? Not Yet.” Pledge

As members of the Whartons Primary School community, we pledge to delay giving our children smartphones until after they have completed primary school.
We commit to supporting one another in this decision and to fostering open conversations with our children about why waiting is important for their wellbeing, development, and safety.

Together, we choose “Smartphones? Not Yet.” for the benefit of all our children.

Not Yet – Saying No to Smartphones in Primary School

Protecting childhood. Together.

Why This Matters

Concerns raised from a parent survey:

  • Mental health problems (40%)
  • Inappropriate content (47%)
  • Screen-based childhood (47%)
  • Online grooming (36%)
  • Cyberbullying (51%)
  • 70% worry about all of the above

Key Message

Smartphones? Not Yet. Encourage families to delay smartphones until after primary school.

Benefits of Delaying

  • Better mental health
  • Stronger real-life friendships
  • Improved sleep
  • Reduced online risks
  • More focus in school and home

Childhood Priorities

  • Play
  • Imagination
  • Face-to-face connection

Common Myths

  • Everyone else has one → Not true
  • They need it for safety → Basic phones work
  • They’ll be left out → A united community helps

 What We’re Asking

  • Delay smartphones until after primary school
  • Support each other as a community
  • Talk to your child early about why

Alternatives

  • Basic phones or smartwatches (call/text only)
  • Family tech agreements
  • Screen time boundaries

 Join the Pledge

In our family, we’re saying: Smartphones? Not yet.

  • Sign the Parent Pledge
  • Create support groups
  • Share stories and ideas