Moray Council has become the second Scottish local authority to ban pupils from using mobile phones or devices in classrooms to ‘reduce distractions and promote positive learning environments’.
The new approach will take effect from August 2025 and follows a consultation involving parents, carers, pupils and school staff. The result of the survey, which received 3,283 responses, showed 73 per cent of respondents in favour of the ban.
It follows in the footsteps of Perth and Kinross Council, which introduced a ban in April, and comes after the Scottish Government published new guidance in August last year, giving head teachers greater powers over mobile phone usage in class.
Cllr Kathleen Robertson, chair of the council’s education, communities and leisure services committee, 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.”
In primary schools, mobiles and personal devices will not be allowed in school, unless needed for medical reasons. 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.
Guidance was developed by a working group made up of headteachers, teaching staff, parent council representatives, trade union members and council officers. It aligns with Scottish Government guidance and aims to balance the benefits of technology with the need for focused learning environments. A review of the approach will be reported back to committee in a year.
The survey data showed that 1,659 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 comments section of the survey revealed 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.
Headteachers 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.
