i dont think i am.

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ds, year six, walks home fairly regularly. he also walks to the library on occasion, and to the gym from school after drama rehearsals.
tha school say no mobile phones allowed.
i think he should have his phone on him, particularly when he is walking to the gym/library.

Carmenere although I don't agree that rules are only for other peoples children I think some of these rules are there because of the inority. I am sure a lot of teens/pre-teens wouls be able to have their phone off at school in their bag and on;y take it out after school for the journey home. It is because there are some children not willing to do this that sometimes rules sre pu in place. I do agree that sometimes when there are rules in place wherever they are school, work whatever then yes sometimes you have to weigh up the pros and cons and make a decision.
And those of you going on the logic if he is not old enough to do it if he can't do it without having his mobile phone, I am nearly 30 and I take mymobile everywhere with me especially if I am travelling alone for that just in case should I be taking my mum too

Kitty -I would explain to my child (Year 6 - so likely to be 11 years old at this point in the school year) that schools sometimes make 'blanket decisions' (as Ineedacleaner says). I would explain that as the school office is unwilling to take responsibility for the phone, then I, as the parent, am making the decision that it is more important to flout this particular rule (which is not a hugely major one) so that he can have the independence to be able to walk home, go to the library etc and remain able to contact me if necessary.
Why is that 'shitty', to use your words? I see it as taking responsibility, and choosing what I believe is the sensible and best option in the circumstances. A child of 11 who is able to walk home from school alone etc should be mature enough to understand that this does not equate with flouting any rules just because you don't like them.