Why we need to crack down on phones in schools - Fylde MP's call during visit to Ansdell Primary School
“The Smartphone Free Childhood campaign is something many schools and families are increasingly engaging with”
The growing campaign for a smartphone-free childhood was the main topic for discussion when Fylde MP Andrew Snowden visited Ansdell Primary School.
He spent time speaking with staff and pupils about the impact smartphones and social media can have on children and young people and the importance of allowing youngsters to enjoy a childhood less dominated by screens and online pressures.
Support for the campaign continues to grow locally, with nearly 2,500 parents across Lancashire already signing up to the Smartphone Free Childhood Parent Pact.
That’s an initiative which allows parents to band together and agree to delay giving children smartphones until at least the age of 14, and social media access until 16.
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Mr Snowden was shown around the school by pupils, who acted as his tour guides for the visit, taking him through classrooms and outdoor spaces across the site.
The Fylde MP said: “It was a real pleasure to visit Ansdell Primary School and spend time meeting pupils from Reception right through to Year 6.
“We had some really important conversations about smartphones and the pressures that social media can place on young people.
“The Smartphone Free Childhood campaign is an important one and it is encouraging to see nearly 2,500 parents across Lancashire already signing the Parent Pact and backing that message.
“Ansdell is such a lovely, friendly and welcoming school with a fantastic atmosphere throughout.
“I was especially impressed by the school’s outdoor spaces, the playground and the climbing trees, which are exactly the sort of things children should be enjoying as part of a happy and healthy childhood.
“A huge thank you as well to my tour guide for the day, who did a thoroughly professional job showing me around the school and answering all my questions.”
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Headteacher Zoe White said: “It was great to welcome Andrew to Ansdell Primary School and give him the opportunity to see the school and meet our pupils.
“We were pleased to talk about the growing conversation around smartphones and the impact they can have within schools and on children’s wellbeing more generally.
“The Smartphone Free Childhood campaign is something many schools and families are increasingly engaging with.
“Our pupils were delighted to show Andrew around and we are grateful that he took the time to visit us.”