In recent weeks and months there has been a significant discussion across the UK on the use of mobile phones in schools, this has led to an outright ban on phones in schools across England and a similar ban is expected in Northern Ireland. The Scottish Government has just published its own Guidance on Mobile Phones in Scotland’s Schools, highlighting their concerns around the evidence of significant increases in Mental Health concerns as a direct result of social media use on phones, an increase in bullying by phone, and research showing that mobile phones are the single biggest issue disrupting lessons and learning in classrooms.
In the light of the updated guidance, we have decided to refresh and remind stakeholders of our policy on use of phones in school.
1. Pupils can be in possession of a phone while in school. We appreciate that many parents and carers feel reassured by knowing that their children have access to a phone – especially when travelling to and from school.
2. Pupils must not access their phone at any time in the school building unless they have the express permission of a member of staff for it to be used for learning.
3. If a phone is seen or heard in the building when permission for its use hasn’t been given it will be confiscated. Normally it will be returned to the pupil at the end of the day, however for repeat offenders the phone will be returned to parents or carers after a discussion with school staff.
4. Pupils are allowed to use their phones at breaks and lunchtime as long as they remain outside the school building.
We understand that there may occasionally be emergencies where a pupil needs to be contacted during the school day, as has always been the case this should be done by phoning the school office to either pass on the message or to facilitate a phone call.
I hope you understand and appreciate our efforts to minimise the risks to learning and health that inappropriate phone use can pose and will support us in this.
