Equalities Impact Assessment - Guidance on Mobile Phones in Scotland's Schools

Stage 4: Decision making and monitoring

Identifying and establishing any required mitigating action

Have positive or negative impacts been identified for any of the equality groups?

Yes. For pupils who have additional support needs and disabilities, pupils who are young carers and those who require to monitor medical conditions using a mobile phone. The policy contains exemptions to ensure that positive impacts are gained and that potentially negative impacts are limited. This is achieved through exceptions which are to be considered as part of policy development in schools.

Is the policy directly or indirectly discriminatory under the Equality Act 2010^[3]?

No

If the policy is indirectly discriminatory, how is it justified under the relevant legislation?

If not justified, what mitigating action will be undertaken?

Describing how Equality Impact analysis has shaped the policy making process

The drafting of the policy was undertaken having recognised the anecdotal and available research evidence and previous understanding of the impacts of bullying in schools.

As a result, the guidance contains a range of suggested exemptions which should be considered by schools as part of their approach to developing mobile phone policies which limit access to mobile phones during the school day on the school estate.

Monitoring and Review

We will continue to keep this issue under review through regular engagement with education authorities and schools.