Headteachers are being urged to consider bringing in whole school bans on mobile phones, with Education Secretary Mairi McAllan making clear as “a minimum” there should be restrictions on their use during lessons.
She made the comments as the Scottish Government published updated guidance on mobile phone use in schools.
It comes ahead of ministers bringing in new legislation to restrict the use of phones in schools – with Ms McAllan insisting action is necessary so that students can “reach their full educational potential”.
It comes as more than three out of five (62%) eight to 11-year-olds have their own phone, along with 96% of 12 to 15-year-olds, with the Government guidance stating “personal use of mobile devices is causing disruption to pupils’ learning and that of their peers”.
As a minimum, restrictions should apply during teaching and learning time, but schools should also consider implementing a whole school ban
With the Scottish Government due to launch a consultation on changing the law early in the new school year, headteachers are being encouraged to tackle the problem with policies “up to and including restricting access to mobile phones for personal use in schools across the school day”.
Ms McAllan said restrictions during teaching time were the “minimum” that should be put in place, saying headteachers should “consider implementing a whole school ban”.
The Education Secretary was clear that “mobile phones are causing distraction in the classroom”.
She added: “Beyond distraction, we know there is a spectrum of other harms associated with the online world from issues with sleep, mental health and loss of concentration, through to exposure to harmful, violent or misogynistic content and, in extreme cases, incitement to self-harm, severe bullying and grooming.”
Ms McAllan said: “The Scottish Government intends to introduce new laws to restrict the use of mobile phones in schools.
“As we develop the legislation, I am encouraging Scotland’s education authorities, headteachers and schools to act now, following our refreshed guidance.
“As a minimum, restrictions should apply during teaching and learning time, but schools should also consider implementing a whole school ban.”
Councillor Tony Buchanan, spokesman for children and young people at the local government body Cosla, said it supported “an evidence-based approach to mobile phones in schools”.
Mr Buchanan added that councils would “continue to take steps to ensure that learning environments are safe and healthy spaces for all learners”.
He added: “We must work with our communities, partners and governments and ensure this is not the sole responsibility of schools, rather a whole-society discussion on how best to support our children and young people.”