New guidelines for using mobile phones in schools
Midlothian Council is to implement new guidelines for using mobile phones in secondary schools.
Switched off
As a general rule, mobile phones must be switched off and out of sight during class time and may only be used during breaks and lunchtimes.
Failure to comply
Schools will contact parents/carers if a young person persistently fails to comply with expectations.
Agreed by head teachers
At the full Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors heard the guiding principles had been agreed by head teachers, taking account of non-statutory guidelines published by the Scottish Government in 2024.
Limit disruption
Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Ellen Scott said: “It is important head teachers are empowered to take the steps they see fit to limit the use of mobile phones in our schools, up to and including a full ban on the school estate during the school day, if that is their judgement. This is to limit disruption to learning and to reduce the negative impact of phone use.
Some exceptions
“Their decisions will take account of these new guiding principles and what is effective for their individual school bearing in mind there will always be some exceptions, for example if a pupil has a specific medical or other condition and needs to have quick access to a mobile phone.”