ONE West Fife secondary is taking steps to become a “mobile phone-free school” while others are set to review their policies after new Scottish Government guidance.
Headteachers have been given the power to ban the devices as part of a plan to tackle physical and verbal abuse.
There were more than 4,400 ‘violence, aggression and threat’ incidents in Fife schools in 2023-24 and education secretary Jenny Gilruth said the new guidance would allow for a “full ban on the school estate if they feel that is required”.
One Fife teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “Education outcomes would improve at a stroke, from engagement, to focus, to mental health, to bullying. There is zero argument for not banning them.”
READ MORE: Headteachers given powers to ban mobile phones in Fife schools
She added: “The problem is that kids can’t help themselves and it’s an addiction.
“You tell them until you are blue in the face to put them away but they either comply for two minutes or ignore you completely.
“The only thing up for discussion is what the consequences should be.”
We asked all seven West Fife high schools if they were considering a ban on mobile phones.
Ross Stewart, rector at Lochgelly High, told us they are "moving towards becoming a mobile phone-free school".
He added: “Learners will, of course, still be welcome to use their phones at break and lunch although we do not anticipate any need for them in corridors between classes or, particularly, in classrooms - unless directed by a teacher to enhance learning experiences.
“We are in the process of creating a new mobile phone policy together with our pupil leadership team and parent council, in light of this new guidance which will ensure we work towards becoming mobile phone-free in a manner that best supports the needs of our young people here at Lochgelly.”
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Angela Robertson, from Queen Anne, said: "Mobile devices have to be out of sight and on silent around the school and in classes unless explicit permission has been given to access them for learning. Pupils can use mobile devices in their year group areas during social time."
Dunfermline and Inverkeithing high schools said they will be reviewing their policy "in light of the new guidance”.
And Mick McGee, headteacher at St Columba’s, said: “We have a mobile phone policy in place, which only allows young people to use their phones in designated social areas.
"We’ll be reviewing this policy at regular intervals to ensure it remains effective.”
Woodmill rector Sandy McIntosh said: "Within Woodmill we will review the latest government guidance and will work collectively with our school partners to consider possible options through this session."
And Stephen Ross, from Beath High, told us: "Beath has an established mobile phone policy that is working well. There was parent and pupil involvement in the development of this policy.
"There are no plans to change."
Fife Council's education spokesperson, Councillor Cara Hilton, said the decision will lie with headteachers and added: “Mobile phones have become a central part of most of our lives and I know many young people rely on having their phone with them during the school day, whether to keep in contact with friends and family or to use to pay for lunch at the shops.
“Many young people also use their mobile phone to assist with school work and where no one-to-one devices are provided, they can be an invaluable learning tool.
“However, we have all seen the less positive impact mobile phones in the classroom can have, causing issues and often distress for staff, teachers and pupils.”
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