7th July 2026
Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Primary schools in the Thame Partnership of schools have adopted a shared approach to keeping the school day smartphone free, reinforcing their commitment to children's wellbeing, learning and healthy social development.
Schools will ensure pupils from Reception to Year 6 do not have access to smartphones during the school day. The initiative reflects growing evidence linking excessive smartphone use to increased anxiety, reduced concentration, online safety risks and disrupted sleep, while promoting calmer classrooms and stronger face-to-face friendships.
The partnership also hopes that a consistent approach across schools will help reduce the pressure many families feel to provide smartphones for younger children. Where a child needs a phone for safety or independent travel, parents are encouraged to consider a basic mobile phone without internet access.
The schools supporting the shared approach are:
Aston Rowant Church of England Primary School
Cuddington and Dinton Church of England School
Haddenham Infant School
Haddenham Junior School
John Hampden Primary School
Mill Lane Community Primary School
St Joseph's Catholic Primary School
Tetsworth County Primary School
Together, the schools are committed to creating environments where children can learn, thrive and enjoy their childhood free from unnecessary digital pressures.
