Principals of 14 primary schools in Belfast have asked parents to consider postponing the purchase of smartphones for their children.
The leaders of the South Belfast Primary Partnership stated that they have observed children acquiring their personal smartphones at progressively earlier ages.
They have penned a collaborative message to parents outlining their worries regarding the rising prevalence of smartphone usage among kids.
Research conducted by Ofcom recently indicated that
Almost one-fourth of 5-to-7-year-old children in the UK possess their own smartphones.
.
Children ‘exposed to risks’
In Northern Ireland, the Education Minister
Paul Givan has recommended that schools limit students’ use of mobile phones.
during the school day.
Nevertheless, there have been appeals across the UK for parents to consider postponing the purchase of smartphones for their children.
up until at minimum the age of 14
.
The collective statement from the heads asserted that “children of primary school age should be denied access to social media applications; these platforms typically enforce an age restriction of 13 years and above.”
“School administrators recognize the advantageous impacts of the internet; nonetheless, it simultaneously exposes children to numerous hazards,” the letter stated.
The use of smartphones has the potential to become extremely addictive, impacting brain development over time.
It has been associated with poor mental well-being, depression, and low self-esteem, particularly among young adolescents.
Thelma Crawford, the headteacher of Rosetta Primary School, is among those who have put their names to the letter.
Ms. Crawford informed News NI that the internet can serve as a “remarkable resource” for kids; however, every principal has encountered “children who were adversely affected due to possessing a smartphone.”
She told News NI, ‘We really comprehend that parents wish to stay connected with their kids.’
But they don’t require a smartphone with internet access to accomplish that.
They aren’t suggesting kids should stay away from the web altogether… but rather that it ought to be utilized with care.
‘Safeguarding responsibility’
Mrs. Crawford mentioned that she understood how challenging it might be for parents to decide when to purchase a smartphone for their children.
She mentioned that every parent has encountered the persuasive influence of ‘all their friends have one,’.
Should you decide to allow your child access, naturally it’s your prerogative. However, there are guidelines on ensuring your child stays secure and uses their smartphone responsibly.
The collective message stated that if kids possessed smartphones, parents ought to implement control measures.
The letter stated that there are alternative options to smartphones, and various organizations promote and assist parents in postponing the moment when their children receive a smartphone.
By teaming up with other parents, you can counteract ‘pestering influence’ until you believe your child has developed enough maturity to engage with these adult-oriented forums.
“As guardians, we each bear a duty of care towards the children,” she emphasized.
Charlotte Carson has two offspring; one attends St Michael’s Primary School in Belfast, while the other is enrolled in a post-primary institution.
She is an advocate for the Smartphone-Free Childhood movement and was pleased to receive the letter from school principals.
“What the principals are acknowledging is the genuine predicament that parents are facing,” she said to News NI.
Implying they recognize the potential hazards, yet simultaneously, they wish not for their offspring to be the sole individual devoid of a mobile device.
She mentioned that it has become common for parents to reward kids who passed their transfer test by purchasing a mobile phone for them.
We find ourselves in a bizarre predicament where we practice overbearing helicopter parenting on one end, yet we provide them with devices that grant access to explicit sexual materials and graphic violence right at their fingertips.
The principals recognize that parents find themselves in this extremely challenging situation.
‘Smart approach’
Pediatrician Dr Peter Cosgrove has six children, with some attending St Bride’s Primary School in Belfast.
He is associated with the Smartphone-Free Childhood movement as well.
He stated that they have deliberately chosen not to provide smartphones.
We have decided not to provide them with one until they reach at least their mid-teens or even older.
Dr. Cosgrove stated that “each person approaches this from their own viewpoint,” yet supported the collaborative message issued by the school principals.
He stated that it was a highly intelligent and straightforward strategy implemented by the school administration.
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