Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free
On our recent questionnaire, over 90% of our families expressed an interest in a voluntary agreement as per below. This follows on from our Planet Youth Parent Power talk for 1st & 2nd with Emmett Major and also our parent & pupil talk from Aoife Noone Cyber Safe -Think Smart.
While the school recognise supervised access to technology to support education is worthwhile,
our concerns relate to the personal ownership of smartphones/tablets by children and the creation of personal social media profiles (Snapchat, Group chat,TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X etc.) by children. In our experience at school we have seen the negative impact of the use of these devices and platforms by children at home. It can lead to exposure to cyber bullying. Unkind comments/behaviour on 'group chat' forums can cause significant friendship difficulties at school. Children can also encounter harmful inappropriate content. The Digital Age of Consent is 16. The age to create social media accounts may be lower. Parental permission is required for children under 16 to create social media/gaming accounts. Parents' are fully responsible for phone/tablet ownership and their children's use of the same. https://www.webwise.ie/parents/ is a valuable resource for online safety information.
This is a non-binding agreement. Together we will have strength to support our children more resolutely if a coordinated approach is in place.
Responses are anonymous, we will revisit this agreement on a yearly basis.
Sincere thanks, Corrandulla NS