For many parents, the decision about when to give their child a phone is fraught with tension. Peer pressure, group chats and fears of social exclusion often push families into early adoption - sometimes against their better judgement.
But while, of course, almost all children will eventually end up with a mobile phone, there are ways in which schools can help parents to take more control in deciding when that moment comes.
At British School Al Khubairat (BSAK) we have implemented our Primary Smartphone Pledge centred around the mantra of “wait until Year 8” - i.e., age 13 - before giving a child a mobile phone
When should a child get a mobile phone?
The idea grew from an and aligns with child development research as well as platform age restrictions. The school and parents having more opportunity to discuss digital literacy, online safety and responsible screen use with children before they get a phone.
Importantly, the initiative is not a mandate. It recognises that every family is different but it helps families to make an intentional choice about when and how to introduce technology to their children, knowing they have the support of the school and many of their peers.
To promote the initiative, the school held parent workshops, used parent surveys and engaged with parents through our Primary Wellbeing Magazine - leading to a very positive early uptake.
More than 40 per cent of our primary school families - a total of 430 families - have signed the pledge, with more than 50 per cent participation in Years 2, 3, and 4.
We will continue to stress the importance of this initiative to new parents joining the school and regularly include it in the headmaster’s weekly community newsletter to encourage those not signed up to do so.
Community engagement
What makes this initiative especially powerful is its emphasis on community. Rather than leaving parents to make these tough decisions in isolation, the pledge fosters a shared culture and collective support system.
When a significant number of families commit to the same principles, children are far less likely to feel excluded - and parents are empowered to set boundaries with confidence, knowing they are not alone.
One Year 3 parent told us: “In this age of chronic distraction, I want my child to have the best chance of focusing on what’s important in his young life: a good education and healthy, face-to-face social interaction with peers and teachers. That’s why I’m signing the pledge.”
Other efforts to help
As a school we have also done more to help play our part. For example, in the primary years we’ve strengthened the initiative by no longer sending home any school devices, helping families to maintain screen-free routines.
This supports the broader goal of reducing unnecessary exposure to screens during key developmental years, allowing children more space for creativity, play, rest and real-life social interaction.
At secondary school, meanwhile, we have outlined a clear plan whereby mobile phones will no longer be permitted for use during the school day. From September 2025, students will be required to store their devices in secure phone pouches, which remain sealed while they are on campus.
This initiative has been welcomed by staff, students and parents as a way to reduce distractions and refocus attention on learning and in-person relationships.
Together, these initiatives represent a whole-school commitment to rethinking technology use - one that is both research-informed and community-driven.
Sam Walter is assistant head of primary wellbeing and pastoral care at British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi
