Summary
Schools in Monmouthshire, South Wales, are advising parents not to give smartphones to children under 14 due to concerns about excessive use, cyber-bullying, and impacts on schoolwork and wellbeing. Although schools cannot enforce this policy at home, they aim to guide parents and have already banned smartphone use on school premises.
Key Facts
- Schools in Monmouthshire are advising against giving smartphones to children under 14.
- Concerns include excessive phone use, cyber-bullying, and effects on children's school performance.
- Smartphones are already banned in Monmouthshire schools.
- Headteacher Hugo Hutchinson reports students being online late at night.
- Monmouthshire could be the first county in the UK to have a countywide advisory policy.
- Some parents are supportive, worried about what their children could see online.
- Alternative options like "brick phones," which only make calls and texts, are being considered by parents.
- Schools hope their involvement will help guide parents who worry about their children feeling left out without a smartphone.
