THE CHIEF executive of two schools in Harlow has written to parents promoting the idea of a “smartphone-free childhood”.

Ian Kendal is CEO of Our Lady of Fatima Trust, which oversees St Alban’s and St Luke’s primary schools.

Under his stewardship, both schools have been highly praised by Ofsted.

Here is the main part of Mr Kendal’s letter.

Dear Parents and Carers,

I would like to inform you that as a community of schools we are promoting a “Smartphone-Free Childhood”. Together, as a community of schools, we are asking for your support to make this happen.

We are asking you to consider delaying buying a smartphone for your child. The campaign suggests until the age of 14.  

As Head Teachers, we have committed to promoting our own schools as smart-phone free.   The Smartphone-Free Childhood campaign, is something that we fully support.

• www.smartphonefreechildhood.co.uk
• www.delaysmartphones.org.uk

Why This Matters

Simply, if you knew something was harming a child you would stop it from happening.  We now know smartphones are having a negative impact on our children’s emotional development. While smartphones are a powerful tool for adults, research shows they can pose significant risks to younger users. (See attached) Children’s brains are still developing, and early exposure to smartphones—particularly those with internet access—can have long-term consequences. Studies have linked early smartphone use to:

• Addictive behaviours: The design of many apps mimics gambling mechanisms, which can be especially harmful to developing brains.
• Mental health concerns: Increased screen time has been associated with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem in children and teens.
• Exposure to inappropriate content: Even with filters, children can encounter harmful material, including online bullying, grooming, and explicit content.
• Reduced attention and focus: Constant notifications and fast-paced content can affect concentration and cognitive development.
• Loss of real-world interaction: Time spent on screens often replaces play, conversation, and social learning—key elements of a healthy childhood.

What We’re Asking

We are asking families to delay giving children smartphones until at least age 14. If your child needs a way to stay in touch, we recommend a basic mobile phone that allows calls and texts only.

This is not about resisting technology altogether—it’s about choosing the right technology at the right time. By working together as a school community, we can reduce the pressure children feel to have smartphones and create a shared culture that prioritises wellbeing and emotional development.

Our Commitment

As a school, we are committed to being a smartphone-free environment and to supporting families in making informed choices. We believe that by standing together, we can shift the norm and protect childhood for what it should be—playful, social, and safe.

We understand the importance of being able to contact your child as they become more independent, walking to and from school, in order to give you peace of mind and for children to be able to call in emergencies. Children’s phones do not need to have access to the internet in order for this to happen.

Like you, we want the best for our children.  We know that early use of mobile phones is preventing children from becoming the best. Let’s work together to give all our children the best possible start in life. 

Yours faithfully,

Mr I Kendal

Executive Headteacher