Smartphone Free School

Drimnagh Castle “Go Smartphone Free” Charter

At Drimnagh Castle Primary School, we are taking action to support the wellbeing, safety, and healthy development of our pupils in a digital age. Following a number of incidents involving cyberbullying, and after consultation with pupils, parents, and staff, the school has banned smartphones during school hours. We are now going a step further by inviting families to take part in a voluntary charter to delay giving their sons a smartphone until after they leave primary school.

Why Are We Doing This?

This decision is based on direct input from our school community and lived experiences within our classrooms:

● Pupils from 2nd to 6th class took part in school assemblies where a “Digital Detox” weekend was introduced. Many boys voluntarily gave up their devices, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive — with many saying they felt happier, freer, and more connected to their families and friends.

● We held consultations with both parents and pupils, and surveyed families across the school to better understand the reality of smartphone use and its impact on our boys.

● The results of those surveys are shared in the video below. Please take a few minutes to watch it — the boys themselves are part of it, and it includes important and concerning statistics that reflect the experience here in our own school.

Join the Charter

Drimnagh Castle is inviting all parents and pupils to be part of our “Go Smartphone Free” initiative. This is a community-based, voluntary agreement asking parents not to provide smartphones to their sons while they are in primary school.

Our aim is to:

● Reduce peer pressure and social comparison,

● Encourage face-to-face friendships and outdoor play,

● Protect children from early exposure to social media and online risks,

● Support better focus, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.

We encourage all parents/guardians to sign-up to the charter here.

What You Can Do

● Watch the video above— it’s essential viewing.

● Talk with your child about the charter and the reasons behind it.

● Sign the “Go Smartphone Free” Charter using the form below.

Sign-up to the charter here.

Alternatives to Smartphones

Parents/guardians may still need or want their child to be contactable when they are out and about. A basic phone, focusing on essential communication, offers a simple way to stay connected with your child, ensuring peace of mind without the complexities and dangers of a smartphone. There are many options readily available.

Here are just a couple of examples:

Nokia 105 phone Costs approximately €29. Available in Currys and online.
A range of Nokia phones ranging from approximately €50 – €70. Available in Harvey Norman, Currys and online.

Additional Information/Suggested Reading
● https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/4509f-minister-foley-launches-new-plan-to-encourage-parents-to-avoid-buying-smartphones-for-their-children-in-primary-schools/
● https://www.independent.ie/life/children-under-the-age-of-14-should-not-have-a-smart-phone-irelands-foremost-cyber-safety-expert/36533504.html
● https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/02/14/social-media-platforms-using-ai-to-direct-harmful-content-to-children-committee-told/
● https://www.independent.ie/opinion/editorial/editorial-waking-up-to-dangers-of-smartphones-for-children/a1661256157.html
● https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/may/23/social-media-warning-kids-mental-health
● https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/education/2023/08/31/call-for-mobile-phone-ban-in-schools-due-to-evidence-of-damage-to-young-people/
● https://www.cybersafekids.ie/resources/#research
● Dr Richard Hogan (@offi cialrichardhogan) • Instagram photos and videos
● Catherine Hallissey | Parenting & Child Psychologist (@catherine.hallissey) • Instagram photos and videos