Quickstart guide: how to build SFC momentum in your primary school community

[.style-intro]Want to push for change amongst parents in your primary school community but not sure how to approach it? This guide gives you a high-level overview of the steps that have worked for other parents across the country. It’s a simple, tried-and-tested way to build momentum around the Parent Pact – from first conversations to signing together.[.style-intro]

You don’t have to follow every step, or do it all perfectly. Some groups tweak the approach to fit their school – others skip a step entirely. That’s totally fine. The goal is simply to get families talking, build a sense of shared purpose, and move towards a strong group of parents taking action together.

Step 1: Find your early allies

Start small. You don’t need a full campaign team – just one or two parents who feel the same way you do. Share the idea of a Smartphone Free Childhood Parent Pact and see who’s curious.

• Keep your ask light. You're not asking for time or big commitments – just people who will chat in the WhatsApp group and help support the idea.
• Don't worry if some say no. It can actually be helpful to understand the pushback so you can respond thoughtfully later.
• Even one or two allies can make a huge difference to your confidence and momentum.
  
  

Step 2: Start the conversation with other parents

Once you’ve found your first few allies, gently start the conversation more widely.

• Post something friendly and low-pressure in your class WhatsApp group (we have examples here).
• Invite curiosity, not commitment. Keep it warm, personal, and positive.
• If your school has parent reps or a PTA, ask them to help spread the word.
• Set up a separate WhatsApp group for those interested. This keeps it from getting lost in class chat and creates a sense of community.
• Share useful links or personal reasons for wanting to wait on smartphones. Parents respond to honesty and real stories.

Relevant resources:

[.style-link] How to introduce the topic in a school Whatsapp group [.style-link]

[.style-link] How to start an SFC WhatsApp group [.style-link]

[.style-link] How to talk to other parents about smartphones without sounding judgemental[.style-link]

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Step 3: Loop in the school

You don’t need the school to lead this – but their support can really help.

• Start informally with a teacher or head. Share that some parents are exploring a Parent Pact.
• Make it clear: this is parent-led. You’re just asking for support to have the conversation.
• Ask for small things like permission to share a survey, or to mention the initiative in the newsletter.
• Use the SFC parent-to-primary presentation templates if you decide to meet with school leadership.

Relevant resources:‍

[.style-link] Template letter to send to primary school leaders [.style-link]

[.style-link] SFC parent-to-primary presentation [.style-link]

[.style-link] Tips for presenting to primary school leaders [.style-link]

Step 4: Run a short parent survey

A simple survey helps build momentum and show that others feel the same.

• Use our SFC survey template to ask quick questions about smartphone views.
• Keep it anonymous and easy (Google Forms works well).
• Share it via WhatsApp groups and the school newsletter if possible.
• Remind people to fill it in. A little nudge goes a long way.
• Once it’s closed, share the results. Seeing how many others are open to a pact can be a powerful motivator.

Relevant resources:

[.style-link]Guide to creating a survey about smartphones for other parents at your school [.style-link]

Step 5: Host a parents' meeting

This step can help spark real conversations and commitment.

• Present survey results or run through the SFC Parent Presentation.
• Keep it informal – the most powerful stories often come from parents themselves.
• You can do it in person or hybrid. In person often creates better energy, but hybrid helps more people attend.
• Even a small turnout is a win. It gets people talking and creates momentum.

Relevant resources:

[.style-link] SFC parent-to-parent presentation [.style-link]

[.style-link] Tips for presenting to parents about SFC[.style-link]  

Step 6: Launch the Pact!

Now it's time to go from talking to doing.

• Share a link to the Parent Pact (use the SFC Parent Pact page) and invite parents to sign.
• Make it feel collective: "Let's do this together so no one feels left out."
• Highlight how many have already signed to build social proof.
• Celebrate each sign-up in the group chat and encourage others to join.
• Tailor your messages for each year group. What matters in Reception is different from Year 5.
• Encourage some healthy competition with other local schools - could your school top the local leaderboard?

Relevant resources:

[.style-link] The Parent Pact [.style-link]

Step 7: Keep the momentum going

You did it – but this is just the beginning.

• Keep the WhatsApp group active by sharing stories, updates and support.
• Remind people the Parent Pact is still open for new joiners.
• Let the school know how many families have signed – and suggest they promote it to new parents.
• You could even help run a stall at parents' evening or the school fair.

Relevant resources:

[.style-link] SFC School Fair toolkit[.style-link]

Thank you for stepping up!

Every parent who takes action helps move the dial. Whether you’re just starting a WhatsApp conversation or rallying a whole school, it all counts – and you’re making a real difference.

Remember: you’re not alone. The SFC WhatsApp community is full of parents just like you, sharing tips, stories and support.

Let’s keep building this, together.
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