A group of primary schools in Co Kildare have become the latest to begin an initiative to dissuade parents from providing their children with smartphones.
A number of groups of schools in areas close to the county, including Greystones in Co Wicklow, have taken similar action in the past year.
The parents' associations of 11 primary schools in Naas and its surrounding areas, have announced a voluntary 'Go Phone Free’ code.
The code calls for children not to have smartphones while in primary school, with no access to social media, and for parents and guardians to respect the age rating on video games.
The associations, which are working in conjunction with local primary school managers and teachers, are inviting parents and guardians to back the initiative.
"This is just something that is really needed," said Mary Feighan, chair of Mercy Convent in Naas parents association.
"There are just so many detrimental impacts, that come with having a smartphone, and especially on children under the age of 14.
"This includes risk of cyber-bullying, depression and anxiety, self-harm, access to pornography, vulnerability to online predators and poor academic performance, amongst others."
The group believes the initiative offers parents and guardians, who are concerned about their children having access to a smartphone and social media, a tool to help address the above issues.
"We feel there will be more take up if it this is done collectively as a community wide initiative.
"Children mix with each other, they play sports with children from different schools. They will understand that their friends down the school are also doing this," Ms Feighan said.
The campaign group will hold an information meeting for parents later this month, where speakers will include people who were involved in implementing a similar measure in Co Waterford.
