Hold the phone!

School head wants parents to put their mobiles away when they pick up children

PARENTS arriving at a Derby school to pick up their children are being encouraged to put away their mobile phones.

A sign has been placed on the gate at Redwood Primary School, Sinfin, reading “Greet your child with a smile, not a mobile”.

Executive head Jane Calladine hopes the initiative will help children talk and listen more.

She said: “The sign is not really having a go, it’s just to recognise that all adults use their phones a lot and sometimes we don’t think about it.”

A SIGN encouraging parents to greet their child with a “smile and not a mobile” has been placed outside a Sinfin school.

Redwood Primary School is hoping the new initiative will help children talk and listen more.

Executive headteacher, Jane Calladine, said the sign was put up only two days ago but has already drawn a positive reaction from parents.

She said it serves as a reminder for those who use their phones a lot to spend more time with their children.

Ms Calladine, who has worked at the Redwood Road school for three years, said: “The sign is not really having a go – it’s just to recognise that all adults use their phones a lot and sometimes we don’t think about it.

“When you pick up your children it’s good to put it away. It’s just one of the ways we are trying to get people to talk and listen more.

“All the staff thought it was a great idea – they said it reminds them to talk more with their own children.

“We have asked a few parents and got a really positive reaction from everyone.”

A picture of the sign has been posted on social media, where it received a mixed reaction from parents. Tamás Miklós Fülep

All adults use their phones a lot and sometimes we don’t think about it

Jane Calladine

said: “Responsible parents shouldn’t have to be told this.”

Iain Parker said: “Well said – turn the wretched toys off and actually talk to your children.”

Catherine Green disagreed. She said: “Oh come on! This is totally unfair. Not my child’s school – but sometimes I’m on the phone as my older three are usually unfolding drama as they leave secondary school.

“I mean they are ringing to say if they are staying / getting off at a different stop / forget something. It’s absolutely nothing to do with being responsible, it’s just life!”

Lisa Sharphouse Ashford said: “Communicate with your kids – they have been at school and have interesting things to say.”