Decision

1. 1

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the work of the Smartphone Free Task and Finish Group. The Group has considered the national policy context, emerging evidence, local intelligence and feedback from partners. The work has moved from a narrow focus on smartphone-free schools to a broader, evidence-led approach to healthy digital childhoods, supporting families, schools and communities through clear information, practical guidance and consistent messaging. Committee is asked to note progress and support the next stage of work.

1. 2

RESOLVED: That Education, Children and Families Policy Committee:-

a)    Note the progress made by the Smartphone Free Task and Finish Group.

b)    Endorse the proposed supportive and enabling approach, focused on information, advice, guidance, communications and alignment with wider family support, safeguarding, public health and youth engagement activity.

c)    Agree that officers continue to develop the next stage of activity, including public-facing information, school and settings communications, review of existing training and support, and further engagement with partners and young people.

VOTE: For-6, Against-0, Abstention 1

1. 3

Reasons for Decision

1. 3.1

Alternative Option 1: mandate a single local smartphone policy for all schools - The recommended approach allowed the Council to respond constructively to local concern about children’s smartphone use while avoiding an overly directive or punitive position. It recognised that schools, parents, carers, children and partners all have a role in supporting healthy digital childhoods..

1. 3.2

The decision would enable officers to continue developing a practical and evidence-led package of support for families, schools and communities, aligned with safeguarding, family support, public health and youth engagement activity, and to bring any further decisions back through the appropriate governance route if required

1. 4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

1. 4.1

Alternative Option 2: take no further local action - This option would rely on national policy and individual school practice without further local coordination.

This was not recommended. The Task and Finish Group identified clear value in a local enabling role, particularly around consistent messages for families, practical guidance for schools and settings, and alignment with safeguarding, family support, public health and youth engagement activity.