Nursery leaves notes telling parents 'get off phones' while collecting their kids

A nursery has caused outrage after leaving notes for parents, accusing them of paying more attention to their phones than their children.

The early years centre left scathing letters to some mums and dads telling them to stay off their smart phones and engage with their kids.

The day care centre, in Texas, United States, left notes saying: "You are picking up your child! GET OFF YOUR PHONE!! Your child is happy to see you! Are you happy to see your child?? We have seen children trying to hand their parents their work they completed and the parent is on the phone.

The early years centre left scathing letters to some mums and dads telling them to stay off their smart phones and engage with their kids. (Getty Images/Flickr Select)

"We have heard a child say, 'Mommy, Mommy, Mommy,' and the parent is paying more attention to their phone than their own child. It is appalling. Get off your phone!!"

One parent shared the message on Facebook, which sparked debate between fellow parents who were divided over whether mobile phones should be banned when it come o the school run.

One said: "I think this is fantastic, and banning phones when picking up your child is great but the way this is worded is awful it's like they are actually talking down to you.

"Thankfully my child is in a school where the teacher and parent relationship is just as good as the teacher and child so we all speak to each other with respect!"

Meanwhile another added: "I love this and unfortunately it is so true! Parents ignore kids and don't watch them as they should!"

The early years centre left scathing letters to some mums and dads telling them to stay off their smart phones and engage with their kids. (Getty Images)

However, others pointed out that sometimes parents have no choice but to take work calls, no matter what time of day it is.

One said: "Yeah... except when that call is work. And your family relies on your income. And I get off before 5 to pick up my kid, on the understanding that I have to still be available if needed."

Another said: "My point is - we judge too much. I HATE phones. But how do you pretend to know what is actually important versus just your assumption? My husband also has some serious health issues. Should I not answer his calls or texts when I'm at the day care just so YOU (the person I PAY to care for my child) think I'm paying enough attention to him?"

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.