Head of Primary fortnightly blog

The recent Netflix series Adolescence has sparked important conversations about the profound impact social media and excessive screen time have on young minds. It challenges us to ask several questions; What are we missing when our lives are dominated by devices? Who is at fault for this potential device addiction? Are our children fully aware of the potential pitfalls that excessive online behaviour can create?

Inspired by these insights, we are introducing Device-Free Mondays for Primary starting in Term 3. This isn’t just about taking a break from screens; it’s about reclaiming the real-world experiences that shape confident, curious, and emotionally resilient children.

On Mondays:

• All lessons will be completely device-free to encourage focus, creativity, and deeper engagement.
• Before- and after-school times will also be device-free to foster meaningful social interactions.
• We also encourage our parents to put devices away and make connections with other families on campus
• Students in Years 4–6 should not bring devices to school on Mondays.
• There may well be some after school CCAS that require a device to be used on Mondays.

While technology offers incredible opportunities, it can also create disconnection. By stepping away from screens for one day a week, we are giving our children the chance to fully engage with their surroundings, develop stronger social skills, and rediscover the joy of real-life experiences.

One concerning trend we are noticing is the increasing use of smartwatches. While they may seem like a convenient way to stay connected, I believe they often cause more disruption than benefit in school. For example:

• Distraction in Learning – Notifications, messaging features, and games divert attention from lessons, even if set to silent.
• Reduced Social Interaction – Smartwatches pull children away from face-to-face communication, limiting opportunities to build friendships.
• Increased Anxiety & Dependence – Constant connectivity fosters reliance on parents, preventing children from developing independence.
• Privacy & Security Concerns – Many smartwatches include GPS tracking, voice recording, and cameras, raising concerns about data privacy and inappropriate use in school.

As part of our commitment to fostering independence, resilience, and direct communication, we strongly encourage parents to reconsider whether a smartwatch is necessary during school hours. We will be reviewing our policy on smartwatches in Term 3.

If your child needs to contact you during the school day, our Lower Hill and Upper Hill receptions are always available, with staff on hand to support them.

But this isn’t just about school, it’s about building healthy digital habits at home, too. We encourage families to join us in setting aside one day a week for screen-free activities. Imagine the impact if children replaced screen time with storytelling, outdoor play, creative projects, or simply being present with family.

How to Manage Screen Time at Home:

• Create Device-Free Zones: Keep screens out of bedrooms and mealtimes to encourage better sleep and family connection.
• Store & Charge Devices in Common Areas: This promotes responsible usage and allows parents to monitor screen time.
• Lead by Example: Children mirror adult behaviour—model healthy habits by setting your own screen limits.
• Encourage Offline Hobbies: Reading, outdoor activities, music, and board games are great alternatives to screen-based entertainment.
• Set a Daily Routine: Balance screen time with exercise, socialising, and downtime.
• Use Parental Controls: Manage app usage, screen limits, and content access through built-in settings.
• Talk About Digital Well-Being: Have open conversations about the positives and negatives of screen time, helping children develop critical thinking about their online habits.

We believe Device-Free Mondays will be a transformative step toward a healthier, more balanced approach to technology. Let’s work together to help our children thrive, not just online, but in the real world where creativity, connection, and curiosity flourish.

If parents would like to explore this topic further and review research on device use, I recommend ‘The Anxious Generation’ by Jonathan Haidt, ‘Free-Range Kids’ by Lenore Skenazy, or the UK Channel 4 documentary ‘Swiped’.

Thank you for your support in shaping a future where screens serve our children, not the other way around.

Have a wonderful long weekend.

Selamat Hari Raya!