Stirling schools given option to enforce mobile phone ban
dailyrecord.co.ukSchools in Stirling will be supported in introducing bans on pupils using mobile phones if they choose to enforce new guidance published by the Scottish Government.The guidance - aimed at improving behaviour levels in schools - could see pupils compelled to hand over mobiles before classes begin and also be unable to take them on school trips.It is a response to data from 2022 from the Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA) which showed that almost a third of 15-year-olds in Scotland’s schools reported being distracted by digital devices in most or every maths class.The PISA study also revealed more than a quarter of pupils had been distracted by other pupils using mobiles and other digital devices.Another stated aim of the proposal is to cut down on instances of bullying being filmed on mobiles before being posted on social media.A Stirling Council spokesperson said: “We will work closely with our schools to raise awareness of the new Scottish Government guidance on mobile phones.“Each school will be supported to adopt an approach best suited to them, with any further developments progressed through collaboration with parent councils and young people.“Robust procedures are in place to offer support for teachers who face disruptive behaviour in their classrooms which have been developed alongside health and safety and trade union colleagues.”There will be exceptions built within the guidance for those deemed to have good reasons for having a phone in school.Such exceptions could include those with carers, with pre-existing medical conditions or pupils with additional support needs.Schools can choose any measure up to and including an outright ban, while other moves could include instructions to switch
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