This week, it was revealed that Blennerville National School, near Tralee in Co. Kerry, agreed with parents in the school that it was time to ban digital device access for students.

There had been several incidents involving the sharing of inappropriate content and cyberbullying. The ban on devices at home is part of an 11-week pilot program—a digital detox exclusively for sixth-class children. This decision aligns with something we’ve been promoting in national schools for years: children should never be given a smartphone.

We had been anxiously waiting for a community to come together and implement a plan like this in Ireland. Finally, a school and its parents have publicly taken this first step. We hope all parents will look closely at this initiative, follow up on it, and consider trying it themselves.

Here at Children of the Digital Age, we highly commend the decision and applaud the bravery of the parents and students who’ve taken this leap of faith to protect their children. Today, we want to explain why other parents should follow their example and rethink the necessity of giving a child a smartphone. We’ll also share a new approach for dealing with children in national schools who want their own smartphone.

Why Children Want Smartphones

Let us share our experiences from visiting national schools across Ireland. During our presentations, we ask children, “Why did you ask your parents for a phone?” Notice we say “phone” instead of “smartphone.” Children often view owning a smartphone as a milestone—a way to display their maturity to classmates. Unfortunately, they don’t realize that having unrestricted access to the online world requires a level of responsibility far beyond their years.

Interestingly, sixth-class children—regardless of whether they own a device—often tell us that fifth-class children shouldn’t have phones because “they’re too young.” And yet, when we ask children in every year group, from sixth class down to first, they all say the same thing: “I’m mature enough, but those younger than me are not.”

When we ask children what they told their parents to convince them to buy a phone, their answers include:

Staying in contact with friends via free online messaging

• Faster messaging.
• Playing games and using apps.
• “All my friends have one.”
• A hand-me-down phone.
• Larger screen and better resolution than older phones.
• Better sound for music.
• It has a camera.
• For parents to contact me.

Here’s a question: who do want “to make phone calls” on that list?

Children don’t want a phone to make calls, they want access to a portable internet device. Calling these devices “smartphones” is misleading. They’re essentially mini tablets that happen to make phone calls.

The Risks of Unrestricted Access

When you give your child a smartphone, you’re granting them unrestricted access to the online world. Without supervision, they can engage with strangers, accept friend requests from unknown people, or access harmful content.

The reality is frightening

When we ask students, “How many of your parents regularly check your smartphone?” the answer is: very few. Parents often attempt to monitor tablets or laptops but neglect smartphones. Supervising every digital doorway in the home—smart TVs, consoles, laptops, tablets, and phones—is overwhelming, even for tech-savvy parents.

The real danger isn’t just what children can access but who can access them. Without monitoring, are they engaging with strangers? Being cyberbullied? Pressured to share inappropriate images? Lost in a world of harmful content? Without supervision, parents simply won’t know.

The Role of Peer Pressure

Parents often feel pressured into providing smartphones because “everyone else has one.” They tell us their child will be bullied if they don’t get a device. This creates a domino effect: one child gets a phone, they tell their classmates, and suddenly, every parent feels the need to follow suit.

This is where Children of the Digital Age steps in during our presentations. We encourage parents to replicate what we say to children:

Ask your child why they need a smartphone?

When they list reasons (messaging, gaming, apps), point out that all these can be done on a tablet or basic phone.

The conversation might lead to your child playing the sympathy card: “What if I need to contact you in an emergency?” At this point, calmly reply: “You need a phone, not a smartphone. We can get you one of those.”

If they argue that a “brick phone” isn’t cool, remind them it can still text, call, and even play the classic game Snake.

Expert Insights on the Impact of Smartphones

In 2017, Mrs. Caroline O’Sullivan, Director of Services for the ISPCC, expressed concern over the increasing number of children negatively impacted by online experiences. Unrestricted smartphone access affects self-esteem, causes social anxiety, and pressures children to engage in risky behaviours.

Children don’t have the cognitive maturity to navigate the online world responsibly. By providing smartphones, parents inadvertently expose them to long-term risks that could affect their mental health, reputation, and safety.

The Way Forward

We encourage parents to start by asking their children why they think they need a smartphone. Often, the conversation reveals that what they want is already available on other devices. Explain that technology is a privilege, not a right, and that smartphones bring responsibilities they may not be ready for.

Access to the online world must be restricted, monitored, and supervised at all times. Digital devices should never replace active parenting. Even children admit that when their screen time is limited, they feel better.

Parents in St Oliver’s National School, are already noticing positive changes after just one week of the digital detox. We wish them every success and hope this program inspires other schools and families to consider similar approaches.

Let’s raise awareness and start a conversation. What have your experiences been with children and smartphones? Share your thoughts below. And now that you’ve finished reading, why not take your own digital detox? Put down your device, step outside, and enjoy the real world.

Have a Great Day!