Mobile phones: guidance for Scotland's schools

Context

2. Mobile technology is an integral part of the lives of children and young people and families across Scotland. Data shows that 62% of 8–11 year olds in Scotland own their own mobile phone, rising to 96% for 12-15 year olds. Many pupils bring their own personal mobile phone into school.

3. Used responsibly, mobile devices such as phones and tablets can be powerful tools to enhance learning and teaching, communication and social experiences, and may remove barriers to learning for some pupils. In addition, they can bring a sense of security to parents and carers as their children enjoy more independent activities, such as walking to and from school.

4. However, pupils bringing their own mobile devices into schools can also create challenges. It is evident that mobile devices, when used inappropriately, are causing disruption to pupils’ learning and that of their peers. The Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research (BISSR) 2023 indicated increased concerns over the disruption the misuse of devices caused in class. This is echoed by data from the Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022, which found that almost one in three 15 year olds in Scotland (and across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries) reported being distracted using digital devices in most or every maths class, and around a quarter of pupils got distracted by other pupils using digital devices. This research found that pupils appeared to be less distracted when they switched off notifications from social networks and apps on their digital devices during class, when they did not have their digital device open in class to take notes or search for information, and when they did not feel pressured to be online and answer messages while in class.

5. BISSR 2023 also highlighted an increase in more serious behaviours including the abusive use of mobile phones in schools, for example, mobile phones being used to bully or harass pupils and staff. Such behaviour is unacceptable in any context. The misuse of mobile technology, including the filming of incidents which are posted on social media, is also frequently reported in the media, with many demonstrating the potentially devastating impact of such misuse on pupils, their families and the safety and wellbeing of staff.

6. The Scottish Ministers have made a clear commitment to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland, by incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law. Considering the UNCRC requirements in the context of mobile devices, any decisions relating to the use of such devices in schools should be made acting in the best interests of the child and taking their views into consideration. There is also legislation which protects the rights of school staff in relation to their employment, health and safety etc. The Curriculum for Excellence and Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) recognises that protecting the wellbeing of staff and pupils is essential for creating the right environment for effective learning and teaching through the Curriculum. Accordingly, it is necessary to recognise and respect all such rights, equally.