A Wicklow school has officially banned smartphones from their premises.
St Cronan’s in Bray introduced the new rule after 91.2 percent of parents voted in favour of the ban.
Pupils are allowed to have basic mobile phones to call or text but they must be turned off during the school day.
Owning a smartphone, especially at a young age, can lead to major problems including weight gain, sleep deprivation and attention deficit.
Technology has also been linked to rising rates of childhood depression, anxiety, attention deficit and problematic childhood behaviour.
We reopen tomorrow, 29th Aug at 8.40am. Please also note that smartphones are no longer permitted in St. Cronan's following a survey in June where 91.2% of parents voted for a ban on smartphones. Basic mobile phones are allowed but must be switched off at all times in school.
— St. Cronan's Bray (@stcronans) August 28, 2019
Overexposure to technology can bring about numerous behavioural problems in your youngster including attention deficit, cognitive delays, impulsive actions and a lack of control such as tantrums. The brain’s development is determined by environmental stimulus and continues to develop rapidly right up to the age of 21.
We’re sure many schools will follow in St Cronan’s footsteps.
