Smartphone survey results

Thank you to the 405 ISL parents from Year 3 to Year 13 who shared their perspectives on smartphone use through our survey. The data shows that while a small number of children receive smartphones in Year 7 or earlier, ownership becomes common in Year 8, often alongside increased independence and travel. However, when reflecting on their decisions, most parents said they wished they had delayed giving their child a smartphone by at least a year. The gap was most pronounced in Years 6 and 7, and a commonly cited ideal age for a first smartphone was around Year 9.

Parents reported that decisions to provide a smartphone were driven primarily by practical and safety considerations, such as managing transport, tracking location, and staying in contact, rather than entertainment. Many families are also setting clear boundaries. Smartphones with time restrictions are far more common than unrestricted devices, particularly in the younger year groups.

Encouragingly, 77.5 percent of parents feel ISL’s updated phone policy is just right. Feedback highlights areas for continued reflection, including questions about phone use during After School Activities and how best to support healthy habits as students grow in independence.

We are grateful for the strong engagement with this survey and encourage all parents to read the full report for a deeper look at the findings and reflections from our community.

Sarah Gifford

High School Principal