No Smartphone and Social Media Access Voluntary Code
Dear Parents, ​
The following is an update on the No Smartphone and Social Media Access Voluntary Code
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We received 278 responses - from a total school population of 329 children - agreeing to the No Smartphone and Social Media Access Code. 85% of parents are opting to delay purchasing a smartphone for their child and giving them access to social media platforms until at least the beginning of secondary school. This voluntary code should provide a tool to parents and guardians who are concerned about the detrimental impacts of smartphones and social media on children's health and wellbeing. Collective agreement to hold off on purchasing smartphones will reduce peer pressure and support parents in saying no. Thanks to all parents for your engagement with this important and positive initiative.
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Kind regards,
The Parents’ Association
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Ms Keane: 100% of parents opted in to the Code.
Ms McGee: 100% of parents opted in to the Code.
Mr Lohan: 88% of parents responded and opted in to the Code.
Ms Barrett: 93% of parents responded, with 89% of parents opting in to the Code
Ms Gallagher: 76% of parents responded and opted in to the Code
Ms Travers: 88% of parents responded and opted in to the Code
Ms Keegan: 68% of parents responded and opted in to the Code.
Ms Masterson: 67% of parents responded and opted in to the Code
Ms Moroney: 64% of parents responded and opted in to the Code.
Ms Owens: 76% of parents responded and opted in to the Code.
Ms Nolan: 24% of parents responded and opted in to the Code.
Ms Kilduff: 100% of parents responded and opted in to the Code
Mr Flanagan: 63% of parents responded, with 60% of parents opting in to the Code.
Ms Cheasty 5th class: 33% of parents responded and opted in to the Code.
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​Why is it being introduced?
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There is an increasing body of evidence which has shown the detrimental effects of excessive use of smartphones on the developing brain, especially on children under the age of 14, socially, emotionally and educationally. The US surgeon general recently issued an advisory warning of the profound risks of child social media use to their mental health and wellbeing. (Link 2 below)
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Dr. Mary Aiken, Ireland’s foremost cyber safety expert, stated back in 2018 that smartphones should not be used by children under the age of fourteen. (Link 3 below)
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Former health minister, Stephen Donnelly, has said there is a direct causal relationship between access to smartphones and increased suicide ideation, self-harm, anxiety and many other issues that our mental health services have to deal with. (Links 4&5 below)
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Dr. Colman Noctor, a psychotherapist with a special interest in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and over 25 years of international clinical experience, with his research area being the impact of technology on young people's mental health, has emphasised that owning a smartphone is not a right, it is a responsibility that requires the ability for self-regulation and self-discipline, which children of primary age struggle with. (Link 6 & 7 below).
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In January 2023, a SPHE teacher, Eoghan Cleary from Temple Carrig was interviewed on the Ryan Tubridy show and shared his research findings regarding some of the detrimental impact smartphones are having on our children, in particular the widespread viewing of pornographic content. (Link 8 & 9).
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The National Parents Council has also highlighted the risks associated with smartphone use at a young age - cyber bullying, depression, access to pornographic content, vulnerability to contact from predators and an increased risk of suicide.
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Tanaiste Simon Harris commented recently that “Delaying smartphone use ... gives children time to develop critical thinking skills before being exposed to these harmful influences,” such as influencers promoting toxic masculinity among boys online (Link 10).
Additional supporting information in links 11 - 12 below.
What is the Voluntary Code?
We believe that this voluntary code will provide a tool to parents and guardians, who are concerned about the issues mentioned above. Collective agreement to hold off on purchasing smartphones will reduce peer pressure and support parents in saying no. They will have data to respond to the possible pressure from their children, for example “75% of 4th class parents have opted in to the No Smartphone Voluntary Code”.
Key points:
1. The Voluntary Code does not include regular mobile phones or kids’ smart watches (with phone/message/GPS tracking capability) with no internet access.
2. All information is anonymous and results will be assimilated by class group as a percentage.
3. It recognises that every family has different priorities and opinions in relation to internet access and smartphone use.
4. If a parent /guardian alters their view subsequently and wants to purchase a personal smartphone device for their child(ren) they can do so at any stage.
5. It is not a solution in itself to the problems outlined above but it is potentially one tool which may be helpful to those who wish to avail of it.
References/Further Reading
Link #2 https://www.theguardian.com/media/2023/may/23/social-media-warning-kids-mental-health
Link # 6 Colman Noctor: Is there a right time to buy your child a smartphone? (irishexaminer.com)
Link # 7 https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22196858/
Link # 9 How Smartphones Affect Child Development | Psych Central
Link # 11 Getting to grips with the effect of smartphones on education | Irish Independent