East Ayrshire Council: Scottish Government school phone ban

New guidance introduced recently by the Scottish Government gave Head Teachers the power to enforce a full ban of phones in schools.

However, the Scottish Government has not made this mandatory in schools and instead it will be at the discretion of each school's head teacher.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said the guidance makes clear head teachers will be “empowered to take action up to and including whole school bans” where they believe this to be necessary.

Ms Gilrtuh added: “The Scottish Government does not intend to dictate approaches to our headteachers – they know better than anyone the specific approach which will work best in their school.”

Pupils in The Robert Burns Academy are free to use their phones in their own time. (Image: East Ayrshire Council)

In East Ayrshire, local authority bosses have said that, while phones are not welcomed in classrooms, pupils should be able to communicate freely in their own time.

A council spokesperson said: "East Ayrshire Council takes the view that mobile phones should not be used in class and this is done in a relational way.

"The council believes that young people have the right to feel safe and be able to communicate with family and friends in their free time and does not support young people being 'banned' from carrying a phone.

"Each individual school uses a common sense classroom expectations/ guide approach whereby young people should feel informed, the council does not impose this on our schools."

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Elena Whitham, has welcomed new guidance from the Scottish Government.

The SNP representative said this move "empowers" head teachers, adding that evidence has shown that mobile phone use in classrooms is also detrimental to learning.

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP, Elena Whitham, has welcomed the new guidance. (Image: NQ Archive)

Ms Whitham said: "The use of mobile phones in schools has undoubtedly had an impact on both pupils' behaviour and their ability to learn - that is why the SNP Government has taken action.

"Headteachers across Ayrshire will be empowered to take the necessary action for their school, including a full ban on mobile phones, to ensure that pupils have the best possible educational experience.

“Headteachers are the most qualified people to address their school’s needs. With that I trust that individual circumstances of pupils, such as young carers and those with neurodiversities who use phones to self regulate, will be taken into consideration.”

"The SNP is committed to making Scotland the best place for young people to grow up and gain an education - and this guidance will ensure that pupils in Ayrshire are able to learn in a safe and inclusive environment."