Schools urged to delay children’s smartphone access

Hertfordshire County Council’s Bricks for 26 collective action pledge encourages schools across the county to delay smartphone access for children, reduce online harm and support positive wellbeing.

The scheme aligns with the council’s ambition for all primary schools to become smartphone-free, and for secondary schools to introduce smartphone-free policies starting from Year 7, beginning in the 2027/28 academic year.

Cllr Anthony Rowlands, the county council’s Children and Young People’s Mental Health Champion, said: "We know technology brings many benefits, but we also know there are growing concerns around issues such as online bullying, poor sleep, mental wellbeing and the amount of time children are spending on smartphones and social media. That's why initiatives like Bricks for 26 are so important.

"By working together with schools and families, we can help children develop healthy digital habits that support positive mental health, resilience and give them the best possible start in life."

Cllr Allison Wren, deputy executive member for community safety and public health, said the scheme supports a shared approach to digital wellbeing.

She said: "Public health is about creating environments that make healthy choices easier. Bricks for 26 applies that principle to the digital world by supporting schools and families to work together around a shared approach to smartphone use."

Schools that sign the pledge receive resources, guidance and communications materials to help engage families and support implementation.

Mark Nicholls, headteacher at Sandringham School in St Albans, which is already taking action to reduce smartphone use, said: "As with all schools, we want our pupils to enjoy all the opportunities that technology can bring, while ensuring they are protected from some of the challenges that can come with early smartphone use. Signing the Bricks for 26 collective action pledge reflects our commitment to supporting children's wellbeing and creating a school community where healthy relationships, face-to-face communication and learning can flourish."

The campaign follows recent evidence from Hertfordshire highlighting the impact of smartphone and social media use on children.

Findings show that by the age of 14, more than nine in ten young people own a smartphone and are using social media, and one in four children and young people show signs of problematic smartphone use, linked to a greater risk of poor mental health, higher stress, disrupted sleep and poorer educational outcomes. Parents are also encouraged to support the initiative by signing the Smartphone Free Childhood Parent Pact, which helps families collectively delay smartphone ownership.