Did you know…

Students are spending more time on devices than they are physically socialising, an activity crucial to our healthy development and distracting them from engaging in the real world.

In the UK, the average 12-year-old now spends 29 hours a week on their smartphone, leaving little time for them to learn the essential life skills that they will need as they transition into adulthood.

Smart devices aren’t bad

In fact, they can be extremely useful. However, the issue is how they are used, for example, and to name a few, excessive use can lead to…

• Speech & language development
• Addiction
• Distraction
• Grooming
• Bullying
• Mental Illness
• Stress
• Lack of sleep

What can you do as parents / carers, to help

Our suggestion is that if a child is under 14, then they only need a phone that can only make and receive calls, send and receive texts.

Below are some links to a range of help, advice and news that you may find useful in supporting students with mobile phone use...

• What happened when 10 teens gave up their smartphones
• Schools in England given new guidance on stopping phone use
• Pupils with strict device bans are more likely to get top grades than those who scroll
• 'It stains your brain' How social media algorithms show violence to boys
• Girl without smartphone unable to join in lesson
• Matt and Emma Willis: ‘I can’t see a safe way for a kid to have a smartphone’

What can you do, if you have questions?

• Talk to other adults / parents
• Join likeminded groups online, for example, ‘Smartphone Free Childhood’.

In School

With digital tech (phones, watches, tablets etc.) on the increase, they are the ‘norm’ in all our lives, but we believe that every school has a duty to create an environment that is calm, safe and free from distraction, so all students, whatever their background, can learn and thrive.

At Hounsdown, we take this very seriously and that’s why we operate a ‘no personal device’ during the school day.  For more information, see our Smart Device Policy (under 'General Policies').

What does this mean

Students should leave their personal devices at home, as they do not need them in school to access learning or help or support.

We appreciate that you feel more ‘connected’, if your child(ren) have a device with them i.e. “what if I need to contact them urgently?”.

If this is the case, then simply ring us on 02380 862981 or email us on admin@hounsdown.hants.sch.uk and we will ensure your message gets to them.

Students with a recognised medical condition (for example diabetes) are exempt from the Smart Device Policy following approval by the school.

What happens if students do bring a smart device / phone to school

If students do choose to bring a smart device / phone to school, they do so at their own risk, and are required to store it (and any smart enabled devices e.g. watch) in a dedicated locker in morning tutor.

The dimension for the padlock ‘shackle (the thickness of the bar that forms the loop of the padlock, as indicated between the white arrows) for the school smart devise lockers, needs to be between 5mm and 7mm.

All smart devises must be turned off before they are put in a locker.

All smart devises will remain in the student’s locker until afternoon tutor, when students can collect them.

What happens if a student doesn’t follow the Smart Device Policy

Students found in possession of a smart device during the school day, without relevant permission from staff, will have their devise confiscated, and will face a consequence as outlined within the School Behaviour Policy.

Any evidence indicating a student has misused a smart device in school, may also be investigated and actioned under the School Behaviour Policy.