Voluntary Smartphone & Social Media Agreement

Supporting families, supporting children.

In Spring 2024, Slane National School’s Parents' Association Committee began a conversation with families about smartphone and social media use during the primary school years. The goal was simple: to create a supportive environment for parents who want to delay smartphone and social media access for their children.

The Journey So Far

March 2024 – Parent Survey
We asked parents for their views. The response was overwhelmingly positive:
- 81% of parents supported exploring a voluntary smartphone agreement
- 82% supported a voluntary social media agreement
- 115 families responded, representing 66% of all families in the school and 165 children

May 2024 – Parent Information Evening
We hosted a discussion evening in the school to hear concerns and share perspectives. Key themes included the impact of smartphones on social connection, sleep, attention, and mental health — as well as how families can support each other in postponing device use.

September 2024 – Launch of the Agreements
Voluntary agreements were shared with all families.  The update was encouraging across all class groups. Participation is entirely anonymous, and each September, the agreements will be re-issued. We’ll continue to share class-level results annually to keep parents informed.

‍Why has this been Introduced?

There is growing concern – supported by both research and lived experience – about the impact of early smartphone and social media use on children’s wellbeing. School communities across Ireland and beyond are coming together to delay these pressures until after primary school.

Some of the key reasons include:

• Smartphones are highly addictive by design
• Evidence links early use to mental health challenges, including anxiety, poor sleep, and self-esteem issues
• Children are accessing inappropriate content at a very vulnerable age
• Social media use is linked to negative self-comparison and stress
• Smartphones reduce time spent outdoors, socialising, reading, and playing – all essential for development

We recognise that every family is different, and this initiative is entirely voluntary. Our aim is to support those who wish to delay access, and to make it easier for children to not be the “only one” without a smartphone or Snapchat & TikTok access.

Resources for Parents

Several members of our Parents Association Committee are actively involved in a growing national movement – Smartphone Free Beyond Primary.  This community has compiled a live resource document filled with practical tips, expert videos, recommended books, and conversation guides to support parents in making informed decisions and having meaningful discussions at home.

📄 Smartphone Free Beyond Primary – Download PDF

This includes:
- Tips for talking to your child when they ask for a phone
- Parental control tools and settings
- Guidance on alternative devices (like GPS watches)
- Podcast & video links featuring experts in child development and tech

What’s Next?

- The Voluntary Agreements will be re-issued to parents every September
- Results will be shared annually by class group (results are anonymous)
- The initiative is led by the Parents Association, with support from the school
- If you have questions or feedback, you can contact the PA at PASlaneNS@gmail.com 

A Word of Thanks

Thank you to every parent who has taken the time to reflect, respond, and support this initiative. Together, we are creating a community where children can enjoy childhood, free from unnecessary digital pressure — for just a little longer.

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