Smart Phone and Social Media – Voluntary Code
Mary Mother of Hope Schools are excited to announce the launch of the "Smartphone Free Voluntary Code" in collaboration with the Parents Association and the Boards of Management, in honour of Safer Internet Day this year.
In December 2024, as you will know, Mary Mother of Hope Schools conducted a parent survey about smartphone and social media use among primary school children. The results were as follows:
93.1% of parents felt primary school children should not own their own smartphones.
96.6% of parents felt primary school children should not have access to social media.
Based on these findings, the Parents Association, with support from the junior and senior school staff and the Boards of Management, are introducing the "Smartphone Free Voluntary Code." This initiative aligns with many other school communities across Ireland, who have pledged not to provide smartphones to children until they finish Sixth Class.
Developed by various schools and organisations, the ‘Gen Free’ charter also asks parents not to allow their child on social media until they complete primary school.
In short, this charter calls for primary school-aged children to be:
Gen Free – Free from smartphones, Free from social media, and Free to be kids!
We encourage all parents to join the Mary Mother of Hope Schools Smartphone Free Voluntary Code and support this positive initiative.
