Seven Newquay schools sign smartphone-free agreement

Seven primary schools in Newquay have signed up to a new smartphone-free agreement aimed at improving pupils’ focus, wellbeing and online safety.

Newquay Town Council said the schools have committed to asking children not to bring smartphones onto school premises.

The agreement was developed in partnership with local head teachers and campaigners from the smartphone-free schools movement. It follows concerns about classroom distraction, online harm and the impact of early smartphone use on young children.

The council says teachers in the town have reported challenges linked to smartphone use among primary-aged pupils, including reduced concentration in class, rising anxiety connected to apps and social media, and exposure to inappropriate or harmful content such as cyberbullying.

Where there is a genuine need for a child to carry a phone for travel, medical or safety reasons, schools will only allow a basic call-and-text device, subject to prior agreement. Devices required for specific medical needs will also be permitted by arrangement.

Councillor Liz Wright and the Mayor of Newquay, Councillor Drew Creek, hosted a signing event to mark the agreement.

The council said it will give each primary school in the town a “Smartphone-Free School” banner to display at entrances.

Liz Wright said: “As a town councillor, I’ve been increasingly concerned about the impact smartphones can have on children’s concentration, mental health and social development. Bringing head teachers together with smartphone-free school advocates helped create a shared understanding and the confidence to act collectively. This covenant sends a clear message that in Newquay, children’s learning and wellbeing come first.”

The council said the initiative reflects a wider national debate about how to support children in an increasingly digital world.

It added that it plans to share the approach with Cornwall Council to encourage discussion across the county, and to explore extending the agreement to Newquay Tretherras and Treviglas Academy.

Newquay Town Council said it would continue working with education partners to promote what it described as healthier digital habits and improved online safety for children.