Mobile Phone Policy

As you may be aware the Scottish Government recently introduced a new mobile phone policy for schools. The policy can be found here Mobile phones: guidance for Scotland's schools (opens new window). Since the release of this, staff have been working with our Parent Council, our pupils and with other schools to review our mobile phone policy.

As a result of this, here at Inveralmond we have recently updated our Mobile Phone policy which reflects the feelings and wishes of our parents/carers, young people and staff and seeks to address the concerns which they share about the negative impact of mobile phones on learning and wellbeing.

Mobile phones have become a significant distraction in classrooms, impacting pupils' focus, learning, and wellbeing. Staff and pupil feedback have highlighted issues such as misuse during lessons, bullying via social media, and declining social and communication skills. These concerns are echoed by national data and government advice on the detrimental impact of mobile phones in school settings—particularly on concentration, mental health, and attainment.

The process will go as follows: 

• Upon entry to the classroom, pupils should have their phone away in a bag and be reminded to do this when entering the class by the classroom teacher meeting them at the door. 

• All classrooms now have trays or mobile phone pockets. If pupils do not have a bag to place their phone into, they must put their phone into the tray or pocket provided by classroom teacher and it will remain there until pack up. 

• If a pupil has their phone out at any point during the lesson, there will be no warning system as this will be implemented differently across the school and we are seeking a consistent approach. Pupils should be sent to the Reflection room to hand over their phone.  

• The phone will be locked away in Reflection and pupils will be provided with a ticket and their name will be recorded on a spreadsheet to monitor repeat offenders and keep a record of phones being in Reflection. Once this is done, pupils must return to their classroom and show their teacher evidence of their ticket. Teachers should check the name and dates on the ticket to ensure it is not a reused one.  

• If a pupil does not adhere to our school policy around mobile phones, they will be able to continue their classwork in Reflection as disrupting learning by misusing phones/ not following school policy to improve our school ethos and environment is not allowed. 

• Group calls will be sent out to parents to inform them that their young person's phone has been confiscated until end of the school day and that they are unable to directly contact them. 

In addition to this if classroom teachers are delivering a lesson which requires the use of mobile phones, teachers must provide a clear message to pupils and to use their visual aid to show that mobile phones are to be used for the purposes of the specific tasks required. As soon as the phone is no longer required, teacher must make clear that the classroom is returning to normal procedures and provide time for pupils to put their phones away.

Mobile phones should not be used in corridors between classes as we don't want people walking around on them in busy areas. Pupils are permitted to check their timetables on phones if required but then should be securely returned to their bags before arrival at their next lesson.

As a school community we are attempting to find a way forward with our young people and their, often, over reliance on mobile phones. Through the use of this policy we are hoping: distractions in classes reduce, focus and attainment increase and social skills between our young people improves and benefits.  

For more information on how to support your young person with mobile phone use, please click on the links below.

Mobile Phones - Parental Controls - Android (PDF, 446 KB)(opens new window)
Mobile Phones - Parental Controls - Apple (PDF, 486 KB)(opens new window)