Dear Dorchester Families

You may have seen recent headlines about Australia moving to ban social media for children, alongside growing momentum here in the UK around the Smartphone Free Childhood movement. These discussions reflect concerns that many schools – including ours – are already seeing first-hand.  Increasingly, we have groups of parents 

We do, at times, see issues of unkindness between children that stem from social media and online messaging. Worryingly, this often happens in group chats or platforms and parents are completely unaware of any issues until problems escalate. Online spaces can move quickly, and children do not always have the emotional maturity to manage them well.

Children also need time and space to develop vital skills such as problem solving, communication and managing disagreements face to face. These skills are much harder to develop if a significant amount of their social interaction happens online rather than through real-world play and conversation.

As Christmas approaches, some families may be considering whether their child is ready for a phone, tablet, or other device with internet access. We would strongly encourage parents to think carefully about this. Once access is given, it can be very difficult to step back or put limits in place later.

It is also worth noting that many secondary schools are now actively moving away from smartphones altogether. Where a phone is needed for independent travel, schools are increasingly recommending or requiring “dumb phones” – devices that allow calls and texts but do not provide internet or social media access.

Carefully controlling your child’s online access, setting clear boundaries, and delaying full access for as long as possible can make a significant difference to children's wellbeing and support the kind, respectful relationships we all want the children to develop.  

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It continues to feel very festive in school - the children thoroughly enjoyed meeting the donkeys today - huge thanks to FODS for arranging this experience for our children.  We had a delicious Christmas lunch on Wednesday and the children looked suitably resplendent in their Chirstmas Jumpers.  It has also been wonderful to share the Year 2 Nativity performances this week to remind us all of the reason for the season - thank you Year 2.  We look forward to the Early Years Nativity performances next week.

Enjoy the weekend.

Cathy Bell
Headteacher