Should adults put their phones away at the school gates?

Should adults put away their phones at the school gates?

Phones are a big part of many people's lives. They can be used for work, calls, messages, gaming and streaming.

It's very common to see phones being used not just in the home, but also when people are out and about.

However, one school is looking to reduce device time in its playground.

Head teacher Andy Best has asked adults to put their phones away when collecting their children from school.

He wants families to start having more conversations and thinks a reduction in phone use could be the answer.

One teacher hopes reduced phone use will mean more conversations between family members

The head teacher sent out the request in a school newsletter.

"There have been numerous occasions where I see our children coming out of class at the end of a school day (or being brought in at the start of the day), excited or relieved to see whoever is picking them up, only to find their adult scrolling at their phone, typing a message or on a phone call and it's sad to see.' the letter said.

'...I do believe that if we can raise awareness of it, then we are helping to ensure we can try and resurrect the joy of conversation back into the community.'

Mr Best has made it clear that his school isn't looking to force parents or guardians to limit their phone use outside of school. However, he hopes the newsletter will get them thinking about how much they use their devices.

"Everything is so accessible on phones," Mr Best told Newsround.

"Kids are having lots of lessons about online safety and not using screens too much, but parents are leaving the school gates on their phones."

"We want to get people thinking: Do I need to be on my phone right now, or do I need to be talking to my child?''

How have parents reacted to the school's request?

Mr Best said his newsletter about parents' phone use at his school had been positively received.

"Parents have definitely respected what we're trying to do," he said.

"It's sparked lots of good conversation about it, it makes people think."

One parent told BBC Radio Sussex. "I think it's nice for the kids to come out of school and see mummies, daddies and grandparents looking out for them as they are walking out the door with big smiles on their faces rather than [being] buried in their phones."

We want to know what you think - should parents put their phones away at the school gate? Have your say in the comments below.