Mobile Phones & Smartwatches

Purpose

Over the past decade, smartphones have silently reshaped the landscape of adolescence. What once seemed like a tool for convenience and connection has gradually become a source of anxiety, distraction, and disconnection — not only from learning but also from one another.

At Concordia, we believe it is our duty to act early and decisively. That is why, since September 2025, Concordia has progressively implemented a smartphone-free school environment and will continue to enforce this policy across the school. This decision has not been made in isolation. Around the world, educators, researchers and policymakers are responding to growing concerns about screen dependency and digital harm.

While we recognise that each family may have its own approach to managing children's exposure to digital devices, this decision reflects our collective commitment to students' well-being.

Key Statistics on Digital Use and Cyberbullying

• 67% of children aged 8–10 report using social media platforms despite most services being restricted to users aged 13 and above.
• 37% of young people aged 6–18 report having experienced harassment or cyberbullying, with 71% of cases linked to school life.
• 18% of children report having experienced cyberbullying specifically, with WhatsApp identified as the most common platform involved (41% of cases, including class groups).
• Around 40% of minors in France access pornographic websites each month, with first exposure occurring increasingly early.
• Research continues to highlight associations between excessive digital exposure and poorer sleep, reduced concentration, increased anxiety and lower wellbeing among children and adolescents.

Consequences for Wellbeing & Learning

The consequences are alarming for both wellbeing and learning. Children who overuse digital devices or suffer cyberbullying frequently show anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and addictive behaviours.

But the damage does not stop there: as educators, we see how it leads to loss of concentration, declining academic results, weakened resilience, and isolation from peers. Exposure to violent or sexual content at an early age further risks desensitisation and distorted social development, undermining both confidence and healthy growth.

Scope

This policy applies to all children at school. We count on every parent to act together — it will be the success of this policy.

Policy Statement

Smartphones and Smartwatches are not permitted on campus.

Students may bring a basic phone (calls & SMS only) for safety, which must be stored at the school entrance during the day. They should be marked with the student's name on them.

Recommended Devices

To support families, we recommend providing children with phones that are not connected to the internet — such as the new models of the Nokia 3310, 105, or 225. These devices allow calls and SMS only, ensuring safety without exposure to online risks.

For families wishing to track their child's journeys, we also advise using dedicated trackers, such as Weenect or Apple AirTag, which provide location information without giving access to social media or the wider internet.

Family Commitment Charter

To reinforce these principles, Concordia introduces the Family Commitment Charter, inviting all households to:

1. Delay smartphone access until the end of Collège;
2. Ban WhatsApp groups among Concordia students;
3. Strongly discourage social media use during the Collège years.

This unified approach protects all children equally and removes undue pressure from families.

Why This Policy Matters

By prohibiting personal smartphones and minimising platforms where digital harm often begins, Concordia:

• Reduces opportunities for digital bullying;
• Protects social, emotional, and digital well-being;
• Creates a positive atmosphere at school;
• Prioritises educational, purposeful technological use.

Consequences for Non-Compliance — Phones & Devices

If a student is found with a smartphone, smartwatch, or other prohibited device on campus, the item will be confiscated. It will only be returned directly to a parent or guardian, who must come to the school to collect it. The student will also serve a one-hour detention on Wednesday from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Each breach will lead to a written warning. Depending on the severity of the situation, disciplinary measures may include temporary suspension or definitive exclusion, in line with Concordia's behaviour policy.

Reminder: three written warnings will result in exclusion from school.

Consequences for WhatsApp Groups and Online Misuse

If students are found to have created or participated in WhatsApp groups involving Concordia pupils, parents will be informed immediately. The parents will be asked to meet with the school to review our Family Commitment Charter.

Each breach will lead to a written warning. Where a WhatsApp group is linked to bullying, exclusion, or harmful behaviour, the school will apply stronger measures. These may include temporary suspension or definitive exclusion, alongside a tailored support plan for the victim.

Reminder: three written warnings will result in exclusion from school.

Communication with Parents

If a child needs to contact home during the school day, they can do so via the school office. Parents can reach their child at any time through the school administration.

Support for Families

We know this policy requires consistency and resolve. Concordia will support families through:

• Parent guidance on fostering healthy digital habits;
• Information sessions on adolescent development and technology;
• Resources for emotional and technological well-being.

Annual Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually in dialogue with students, staff, and families to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to emerging challenges.