Moray Council to ban mobile phones in schools: All to know
The local authority is the second one to approve a blanket ban on mobile phones in school classrooms after Perth and Kinross in April.
The new approach will take effect from August 2025, as will the policy across Perth and Kinross, and follows a consultation involving parents, carers, pupils and school staff. The result of the survey, that received 3283 responses, was 73% of respondents in favour of the ban.
In primary schools, mobiles and personal devices will not be allowed in school, unless needed for medical reasons.
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In Moray's secondary schools, students will need to keep phones switched off and out of sight during the school day, except when needed for health purposes.
It comes as two schools in Edinburgh are piloting a phone-free policy in what is said to be a Scottish first in an effort to improve focus and mental health among pupils.
Portobello High School and Queensferry High School in Edinburgh have introduced magnetic, lockable pouches for the devices in an attempt to curb distractions in class.
Chair of Moray Council's education, communities and leisure services committee, councillor Kathleen Robertson, said: 'We recognise that mobile devices are a part of everyday life and can enhance learning and teaching. But we also recognise the risks associated with young people bringing their devices into school. Namely bullying and harassment with inappropriate use detracting from learning.
'We aspire for our schools to be places where pupils can focus, learn, and feel supported and guidance is being provided to Head Teachers to assist them to introduce this new approach while promoting positive relationships and behaviour.'
A breakdown of the survey data shows that 1659 parents/carers agreed with the ban terms, while 353 disagreed. 334 pupils agreed and 448 disagreed with 402 staff for the move and 87 against it.
Key themes from the open comment section included strong support for the guidance due to issues like mobile phone distractions, concerns about enforcement practicality, and the need for exceptions for medical reasons.
Respondents expressed mixed opinions on whether a complete ban was necessary, suggesting phones should be allowed during breaks and for safety, walking to and from school. Overall, the feedback highlighted the importance of clear enforcement guidelines, alternative technology provision, and safety considerations for pupils.
Head Teachers will now develop local policies, aligned to their positive relationship policies, with more information being provided to parents and carers, pupils and staff before the start of the autumn term in August.
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