Several primary schools in the Carndonagh area have come together to introduce a groundbreaking ‘No Smartphone Voluntary Agreement.’
The bold initiative aims to promote the well-being of local school children.
This community-wide effort is supported by school principals and led initially by Home School Community Liaison (HSCL), Sinead McLaughlin, and the Parents’ Associations.
The campaign will help parents to delay providing their children with smartphones until they begin secondary school.
Participating primary schools include, Scoil Naomh Pádraig, St. Patrick’s G.N.S, St. Brigid’s National School, Glassalts, Donagh National School and Glentogher National School.
The Minister for Education, Norma Foley, provided every school in the country with an information pack called ‘Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free’.
Ms McLaughlin said she thought the initiative would be very beneficial for the Carndonagh community.
“I thought it would be a great initiative for our local community, I liaised with the parents and supported the development of the initiative locally,” she explained.
“As part of my role of HSCL, I regularly engage with parents on such topics and approached the parents association of Scoil Naomh Padraig to discuss the information pack”, she added.
The agreement was introduced in five of the primary schools in Carndonagh.
A total of 297 parents and guardians have opted into this agreement on behalf of their children. This represents 71% of all the children from the five participating schools.
How It Works
Parents can opt into the agreement by signing a commitment form provided by their school. The agreement also aligns with the schools’ existing policies, which prohibit the use of mobile phones during school hours or on school premises. The schools are encouraging parents to have regular, open conversations with their children about internet safety, monitor app usage and emphasise healthy boundaries around technology use.
“This is our first year launching this initiative and we are delighted with the positive feedback from parents and guardians,” commented Jennifer O’Donnell.
In response to additional guidelines from Minister for Education, Norma Foley, Carndonagh Community School has also introduced a ban on mobile phones.
For more information about the No Smartphone Voluntary Agreement, please contact your local primary school.
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