As Christmas approaches and our children are writing their lists to Santa, I’ve noticed that smartwatches are highly sought after. I don’t own one because I appreciate the opportunity to disconnect. However, many of my friends love their smartwatches; they use them to send and receive text messages, check emails, set timers, track fitness goals, and check social media, among other functions.

But should a primary school student have access to this type of technology all the time, especially during school hours?

We need to consider the implications of our child having a smartwatch at school. Beyond being a constant distraction to their learning, smartwatches are also quite expensive.

While exploring the topic of smartwatches in schools, I came across some interesting viewpoints that I would like to share for your consideration.

Being too connected can interfere with a child’s development. Smartwatches not only serve as distractions, but when parents text their children during the school day, it can hinder normal child development. Depending on their age and maturity, kids should learn to manage their own schedules and responsibilities. If children can simply glance at their wrists for reminders about turning in permission slips, bringing home their math book, or attending basketball practice after school, they may not develop essential problem-solving skills or the ability to manage their lives independently. Emergency calls or changes to pick-up times and locations still need to go through the Office, with messages passed to teachers and students alike. While every parent wants to look out for their child, previous generations managed without 24/7 contact and constant reminders.

Secondly, smartwatches pose privacy and safety concerns. They often do not adhere to the same safety protocols or protection software as computers and phones, making them more vulnerable to hackers. This could allow unauthorised individuals to gain access to a child's personal information or even their location, potentially revealing the whereabouts of other children at school.

While smartwatches offer conveniences and connectivity, it’s important to weigh their potential impact on our children’s learning, development, and safety in the school environment.

Uniforms

This is another reminder that we will collect pre-loved uniforms for the School Savvy program.

Please check our Uniform Policy before purchasing uniforms and shoes ready for 2025.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the coming year bring new opportunities, exciting challenges, and continued success. 

Thank you for being a part of our Holy Spirit family. 

Warmest wishes,

Nicole.