PRIMARY schools in the Newquay area have come together to put children’s wellbeing first.

Trenance Learning Academy, Newquay Junior Academy, Newquay Primary Academy, St Columb Minor Academy, Bishops Learning Academy, St Columb Major Academy and St Newlyn East Learning Academy have signed a new Smartphone‑Free Schools Agreement.

The agreement, developed in partnership between Newquay Town Council, head teachers and smartphone‑free school advocates, asks pupils not to bring smartphones into school.

The initiative addresses growing concerns around online harm; classroom distraction and the pressures of early smartphone use on young children.

Teachers across the town have reported increasing challenges linked to smartphone use among primary‑aged children, including reduced concentration in class, rising anxiety and social pressures connected to apps and social media and greater exposure to inappropriate or harmful online content, including cyberbullying.

Pupils will only be permitted to use a basic call-and-text device where there is a genuine need to carry a phone for travel, medical or safety reasons, which must be agreed in advance.

The head teachers signed up to the Smartphone‑Free Schools Agreement in the town council chambers, which was hosted by councillors Liz Wright and the mayor, Cllr Drew Creek.

The mayor visited each of the primary schools that signed up and delivered their signed covenant and presenting each school with a banner to celebrate their commitment.

Cllr Creek said: “Back in December, I was delighted to meet with representatives from all seven of our local primary schools.

“That collaborative effort was the foundation of our Smartphone Free Covenant, and it was fantastic to see everyone commit to signing it together.

“it was my privilege to visit each school to deliver the fully signed covenant as a permanent reminder of our shared commitment.

“I love getting out in our schools and chatting with students and teachers.

“As a small token of our appreciation for their dedication to this initiative, I was pleased to provide them with a gate banner, proudly proclaiming their status as a Smartphone Free School.

“This initiative is about communities and schools working hand-in-hand to support parents and children. Seeing the banners go up at the schools is a powerful visual reminder that we are united in wanting to foster the best possible environment for our children to learn, play, and socialise without the pressures of smartphones.

“We thank all the headteachers and staff for their warm welcome and their ongoing partnership.”

Newquay Town Council will continue to work with local education partners.

The next steps include sharing Newquay’s approach with Cornwall Council to encourage wider conversations across the county and exploring the extension of the agreement to Newquay Tretherras and Treviglas Academy.

Councillor Liz Wright said: “As a town councillor, I’ve been increasingly concerned about the impact smartphones can have on children’s concentration, mental health and social development.

“Bringing head teachers together with smartphone-free school advocates helped create a shared understanding and the confidence to act collectively.

“This covenant sends a clear message that in Newquay, children’s learning and wellbeing come first.”