Head’s Reflections: A Smartphone Free Childhood

When I tour families around the wonderful Kent College Pembury campus, there is one question that never fails to arise: “What is your policy on mobile phones?”

It is understandably a front of mind concern for parents today, and one we take very seriously. As a school, we hold the dual responsibility to protect children from the pressures and perils of social media whilst equipping them for a world in which technology is embedded in almost every aspect of life. To meet both aims, Kent College Pembury adopts a balanced approach.

A Clear Mobile Phone Policy

Firstly, mobile phones. Each morning, every student from Year 7 to Year 11 hands in their device to their form tutor, where it is safely stored in a metal, padded ‘phone box’. Phones remain locked away until the end of the school day, freeing students from constant notifications, online pressures, and the temptation to disappear behind a screen.

What replaces them is something quite special: genuine childhood. It is a joy to see students running to the swings at lunchtime, enjoying fresh air, laughter, and play. Others gather over lunch in deep, thoughtful conversation. In our community hub, groups cluster around tables for Dobble, Uno, or a quick board game, their laughter floating out of the window. In the sports hall, the sound of giggles and running feet fill the space as students choose to burn off lunchtime energy with games of netball, basketball, or football. All these are beautiful moments of connection and freedom, with children being children, fully present.

Preparing Students for the Digital World

But we are also preparing them for the world beyond our gates. That is why lessons on online safety, digital behaviour, and social media mindfulness are embedded throughout each year group. Our pastoral support includes important work on healthy friendships and relationships, supported by programmes like Andrew Hampton’s ‘Girls on Board’ and ‘Working with Boys’. We work closely with parents too, offering seminars and workshops on online safety and sharing up to date guidance to help families navigate this complex landscape.

Alongside minimising the unhealthy aspects of technology, we are committed to harnessing its benefits. Every Senior student uses a Surface Pro, which is both a laptop and tablet in one. Teams and OneNote are part of daily learning, giving students the opportunity to use technology responsibly and supporting a flexible, hybrid approach to learning when needed. Importantly, all devices are managed and monitored by the school. Safeguarding software alerts our safeguarding team to concerning keywords, inappropriate sites are blocked, and teachers can view students’ screens to keep learning on track or highlight excellent work.

A Balanced Approach

So yes, it is a conundrum, but not an impossible one. At Kent College Pembury, we have created an environment that tempers the excesses of mobile phones and social media while embracing the powerful advantages of technology in a safe and secure way. Our aim is simple: to allow children to enjoy a smartphone free childhood during the school day, while growing into confident digital citizens.

Written by Miss Handford

March 2026