Council agrees new school mobile phone guidelines

Moray councillors have voted to bring in stricter guidelines limiting the use of mobile phones in schools from August.

It is hoped the move will reduce disruption in the classroom, as well as stop some incidents of bullying.

Scottish government guidance allows head teachers to make their own decisions on mobile phone use but Moray Council has decided to introduce blanket guidance.

The new policy would have exemptions for medical use such as diabetes monitoring.

Several other Scottish councils have taken steps to regulate the use of phones in classrooms but most leave enforcement to the schools themselves.

Pupils at two high schools in Edinburgh will have to keep their mobiles in lockable pouches during the day under a new phone-free policy.

Moray Council said a blanket approach would reduce confusion when pupils moved between schools - including in the senior phase where some pupils study subjects in more than one place.

The policy would see mobiles barred in primary schools, while in secondaries they will have to be switched off and out of sight while in the school building over the course of the day.

The council said parents and staff it consulted in a survey strongly backed the ban - although pupils did not.

Councillors who were against the move raised concerns about pupils needing to be contacted regarding late transport or family issues.

However, the move was voted through - on the basis the policy will be reviewed in 12 months' time.