Following our recent commitment to phone-free learning, Norwich High Prep School was proud to host a vital parent information session on Friday morning. Led by Head of Prep School and Nursery, Mrs Susan Roberts, and featuring renowned guest speaker Simon Bailey CBE, the event marked a significant step forward in our mission to protect and support our girls in the digital age.

We are pleased to announce that Norwich High School for Girls GDST has officially joined the Smartphone Free Childhood schools network, positioning our school as a partner to parents navigating the complexities of modern childhood.

The atmosphere in the hall on Friday was one of shared investment. Mrs Roberts opened the session by acknowledging the pressure parents face. The question of when a child gets a phone is no longer a simple yes or no – it has become a milestone fraught with concerns over mental health, screen time and online safety.

With the media increasingly reporting on the dangers of smartphones and social media for children and the link to a growing mental health crisis becoming clearer, we want to ensure our parents feel empowered, rather than isolated, in making these decisions.

At Norwich High, we see our role as a facilitator. We are not here to judge, but to inform, educate and connect our community. By joining the Smartphone Free Childhood movement – a grassroots initiative of over 350,000 parents – we are helping to provide a framework for those who wish to delay the introduction of smartphones and social media.

We already have Norwich High families who are part of the parent-led pact, and we encourage more families to explore this collective approach. When parents stand together, the fear of a child missing out is diminished because the peer group is moving at the same pace.

Our guest speaker, Simon Bailey CBE – former Norfolk Chief Constable and National Lead for Child Protection – provided a compelling look at why this movement is gaining such momentum.

Simon Bailey emphasised that while technology offers incredible tools for research and learning, the smartphone is a super-computer that requires adult-level management. Valuable insights were shared regarding the dark side of the internet, including the risks of unregulated content and the addictive nature of social media platforms.

His advice to parents included:

• Open Conversations: Foster an environment where children feel they can talk about what they see online without fear of losing their device.
• Show Me the Apps: Take an intrusive interest in what is being viewed and verify app age limits, regularly checking what your child sees and does online.
• Alternative Tech: Remember that dumbphones – basic talk and text devices – exist to maintain contact without the risks of open-access internet.
• Utilise Resources: We encourage parents to access the webinars and articles available including via Tooled Up, a resource we provide to help facilitate these early-stage conversations.

The session concluded with a powerful reminder: the movement for a smartphone-free childhood must be parent-run to be effective, but the school is here to facilitate those networks.

As Mrs Roberts noted, the live debate surrounding this issue is encouraging. By raising awareness and standing together, we can ensure that our girls grow and learn in a safe, age-appropriate environment.

We thank all the parents who attended the session for their engagement and look forward to continuing this journey as a supportive school community.