The growing movement towards a smartphone free school

066 - This is the Berkhamsted Spotlight, the podcast showcasing the remarkable Berkhamsted School community. Each episode, we speak to students, staff and alumni to bring you their insights.

Summary
This conversation explores the growing movement towards smartphone-free schools, the impact of social media on children's mental health, and the role of parents in managing technology use. We discuss the initiatives at Berkhamsted School to limit smartphone usage and educate pupils on digital wellbeing. The conversation also addresses the challenges parents face in navigating social pressures regarding technology and offers practical advice for fostering healthy tech habits at home.

Takeaways

• Berkhamsted is a smartphone-free school up to sixth form.
• Social media addiction is linked to rising anxiety and depression in children.
• The smartphone-free movement is gaining traction globally.
• Education on digital wellbeing is crucial for children.
• Parents should model healthy technology habits.
• Open conversations about technology use are essential.
• Parental controls can help manage children's tech use.
• It's important to balance the positives and negatives of technology.
• Children need to learn about online safety and digital citizenship.
• Parents should seek resources to support their children's tech use.

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Smartphone Free Childhood
Amanda Gummer