Democracy Spraffa

Mobile Phone Guidance for Schools ECSPB

Renfrewshire Council · 13 March 2025
Back to Education and Children's Services Policy Board — 13 March 2025 and its agenda

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To:  Education and Children’s Services Policy Board
On: 13 March 2025
___________________________________________________________________ 
Report by:  Director of Children’s Services
___________________________________________________________________ 
Heading:  Mobile Phone Guidance for Schools
___________________________________________________________________
1. Summary
1.1. Following the publication of the Scottish Government’s Guidance on Mobile
Phones in Scotland’s Schools in August 2024, Renfrewshire Council set up a
working party to review this guidance and provide schools with guidance on
how to develop a local school policy, with a view to this being implemented in
schools by August 2025. This guidance is Appendix 1.
___________________________________________________________________
2. Recommendations
2.1. The Board approves this guidance with a view to a soft launch in Term 4 this
session and full implementation across all schools from August 2025.
___________________________________________________________________
3. Background
3.1. The short-life working group was comprised of Head of Education, Digital
Learning Manager, Headteachers (Primary and Secondary) and Teacher
Union Representatives. 
3.2. A draft guidance document was written by Pam McDowall, Digital Learning
Manager and shared with all members of the working group. 
3.3. The group met 3 times.
3.4. Not all staff members were available to attend every meeting, but all were
given the opportunity to review the draft guidance and submit comments.
3.5. After each meeting, an updated draft was produced in line with the group’s
thoughts, with the final draft (Appendix 1) being approved by DMT prior to
being shared with JNCT and Education and Children Services Policy Board.

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3.6. Appendix 1 outlines the features of a respectful and responsible use of mobile
phone technology policy. These fall within three broad categories:
3.6.1. Digital rights and responsibilities (what individuals can and cannot do)
3.6.2. Digital etiquette (standards of conduct when using mobile phones)
3.6.3. Safe and secure use (precautions that can be taken to ensure digital
safety)
3.7. More details on these can be found in Appendix 1.
___________________________________________________________________ 
Implications of this report 
1.  Financial 
Minor. 
2.  HR and Organisational Development 
None. 
3. Community/Council Planning
None. 
4.  Legal 
Minor. 
5.  Property/Assets 
None. 
6.  Information Technology 
Minor. 
7.  Equality and Human Rights   
(a) The Recommendations contained within this report have been
assessed in relation to their impact on equalities and human rights.
No negative impacts on equality groups or potential for infringement
of individuals’ human rights have been identified arising from the
recommendations contained in the report.  If required following
implementation, the actual impact of the recommendations and the
mitigating actions will be reviewed and monitored, and the results of
the assessment will be published on the Council’s website. 
8. Health and Safety
Minor. 
9. Procurement 
Minor. 
10. Risk 
Minor.

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11. Privacy Impact
Minor. 
12.  Climate Risk
None. 
13. Children’s Rights 
Minor. 
14. Cosla Policy Position 
None.     
List of Background Papers 
None. 
The contact officer within the service is Gerard McLaughlin, Head of Education,
Tel:0141 487 0885, Email: Gerard.mclaughlin@renfrewshire.gov.uk
___________________________________________________________________
Children’s Services
Pam McDowall 
Author:  Pam McDowall, Digital Learning Manager, pam.mcdowall@renfrewshire.school

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Renfrewshire Council
Children’s Services
Guidance on the use of mobile phones for schools (Version 5) 
Vision
‘To enable all schools and local authori�es to develop an ethos of ci�zenship that leads to respec�ul and responsible
use of mobile technology. This will encourage schools to posi�vely embrace mobile technology to enhance learning
now and, in the future, whilst helping them protect staff, children and young people from the possible disrup�ve and
harmful consequences of misuse.’  Sco�sh Government “Guidance on Mobile Phones in Scotland’s Schools” –
Update 2024 
Context
Mobile technology is an integral part of the lives of children and young people across Scotland, with many bringing
their own mobile phone devices into school. 
When used responsibly, mobile devices such as phones and tablets can be powerful tools to enhance learning and
teaching, communica�on and social experience but it should also be recognised the significant challenges and
impact these can have on children and young people. These devices may remove barriers to learning for some
pupils. They can bring a sense of security to parents as their children enjoy more independent ac�vi�es, such as
walking to and from school unsupervised. Such devices can also be powerful tools when u�lised by teachers to
enhance learning and teaching.   
There is a clear commitment to recognising, respec�ng and promo�ng children’s rights in Scotland through the
United Na�ons Conven�on on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and any local decisions rela�ng to the use of mobile
devices in school should be made ac�ng in the best interests of the child and taking their views into considera�on. 
Purpose
The purpose of this guidance is to provide schools in Renfrewshire Council with advice on how to develop a local
school policy that encourages safe and responsible use of personal mobile technology in school, and beyond, whilst
encouraging schools to adopt a robust but measured response to their inappropriate use. This may include
restric�ons and limita�ons on the use of mobile phones in schools. These policies should also be designed to protect
children and young people and staff from harassment and abuse which can arise from the misuse of such technology.
They should include the move towards the promo�on of posi�ve rela�onships and behaviour in a digital context and
the important role of educators in preparing children and young people to become “digital ci�zens”. 
Guiding Principles
• Balance: We recognise the poten�al benefits and risks of personal mobile technology use. Our approach
aims to strike a balance that supports learning and teaching, whilst minimising disrup�on and harm. 
• Respect for Rights: We uphold the rights of the child, including their right to express their views and
par�cipate in decisions that affect them. We respect the rights of staff and pupils to have a safe and
conducive learning environment and recognise that these rights are interconnected. Considera�on must be
given to how they impact each other. 
• Whole School Community Involvement: We will develop local policies in partnership with the whole school
community engendering a sense of engagement, shared ownership and commitment. 
• Consistency: Children and young people need to understand that unacceptable behaviour remains
unacceptable whether it occurs in an online environment, the playground, the classroom or anywhere else.
Expecta�ons for responsible conduct remain consistent, regardless of the context, and any breach of
expecta�ons in rela�on to mobile technology should be treated in accordance with the school’s policies. It is
expected that staff will respond consistently to any irresponsible use of mobile technology and will explain to
children why certain behaviours are unacceptable, and what the poten�al impact of such behaviours might

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be. In line with this, policies on mobile phone technology must be rooted within exis�ng posi�ve, nurturing
rela�onships or behaviour policies, which will set out how incidents will be dealt with. 
• Features of a respec�ul and responsible use of mobile technology policy would fall within three broad
categories:  
o digital rights and responsibili�es (what individuals can and cannot do)
o digital e�quete (standards of conduct when using mobile phones)
o safe and secure use (precau�ons that can be taken to ensure digital safety)
• Further reading:
o htps://eprints.lse.ac.uk/125554/1/Smartphone_policies_in_schools_Rahali_et_al_2024_002_.pdf 
o htps://edexec.co.uk/unesco-urges-global-ban-on-smartphones-in-classrooms-to-enhance-learning-
and-protect-children/ 
Digital Rights and Responsibili�es (what individuals can and cannot do)
• Unacceptable Behaviour: Unacceptable behaviour, whether online or offline, is not tolerated. This includes,
but is not limited to, bullying, harassment and the sharing of inappropriate content.
• Consequences: Pupils who misuse their phone will be subject to the school’s own posi�ve rela�onships and
behaviour polices, which already set out how incidents will be dealt with, including agreed consequences
and sanc�ons. Consistency is key to the successful implementa�on. 
• Repor�ng: Incidents of misuse should be reported by pupils to a teacher or member of staff and there should
be clear protocols outlining the support available in school for staff and pupils who are the subject of
harassment using mobile phones. 
Digital E�quete (standards of conduct when using mobile phones)
• Permited Use: Mobile phones may be used in class for educa�onal purposes when explicitly permited by
the class teacher. On arrival in class, phones should be stored in an agreed place. In Primary, this could be
outwith the classroom. There should be an emphasis on the need for safe and responsible use of mobile
phone technology by children and young people and staff outwith formal leaning and teaching purposes.
Phones may be used at interval and lunch within the social areas in the secondary. In the Primary School,
agreement must be made if phones are to be le� in the agreed point in the classroom or returned to pupils.  
• General restric�ons: At all other �mes during the school day, mobile phones must be switched off and out of
sight (e.g. in school bags). This includes movement between classes/toilets and inside toilet areas. 
• Exams: Mobile phones are prohibited during exams and assessments. Digital solu�ons can be used for
alterna�ve assessment arrangements, but mobile phones should not be considered for this. Further
informa�on on SQA arrangements can be found here: htps://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/107507.html  
• Privacy: There is a need to respect privacy and the camera and filming func�ons on mobile phones must not
be used without prior consent of subjects (children and young people or staff) being filmed or photographed,
including the uploading of these on social networking or other websites. Camera and filming should not be
used in a classroom se�ng unless clearly detailed by the class teacher. This also applies within the
playground before and a�er the school day. The use of phones is prohibited at all �mes in PE areas and in
changing/toilet areas. 
Safe and Secure Use (precau�ons that can be taken to ensure digital safety)
• Curriculum Support: We will incorporate lessons on safe and responsible mobile technology use into our
curriculum. In addi�on, work is ongoing in schools in developing responsible and global ci�zens, recognising
and respec�ng children’s rights, crea�ng an an�-bullying culture and raising awareness of digital and online
safety through Health and Wellbeing.
• Parental Involvement: We encourage parents and carers to discuss safe mobile phone use with their children.
Guidance on this will be shared regularly, including new na�onal and local guidance. 
Implementa�on and Enforcement
• Clear Communica�on: Headteachers should ensure the contents of this policy and guidance on how it will be
applied in their own school are clearly communicated to all staff, pupils, parents and carers, including
through consulta�on and two-way engagement with Parent Councils (where available) and the wider school
community. Support from Headquarters is available if needed.

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• Consistent Enforcement: All staff will consistently enforce this policy, explaining the reasons behind the rules
and the poten�al consequences of non-compliance.
• Review: This policy will be regularly reviewed to ensure it effec�veness and relevance. 
Emergency Contacts
In the case of emergency, pupils should contact a member of staff who will facilitate communica�on with parents or
carer. Parents who need to make urgent contact with their child should contact the school office. Any unwell pupils
or required absences should follow the school procedures and protocols. 
Excep�ons
Excep�ons to this policy may be made for pupils with specific needs, such as young carers or those with medical
condi�ons. The parameters of any excep�onal arrangement will be agreed on by all relevant stakeholders and
managed on a case-by-case basis. 
Legal Aspects
We will adhere to all relevant legisla�on regarding mobile phone use, including laws related to data protec�on and
online safety. 
Legisla�on relevant to aspects of online safety, including the safe and responsible use of mobile phones, can be
found in appendix C5 of the Sco�sh version of the online safety policy tool for schools, 360 Degree Safe Scotland.
The 360 Degree Safe Scotland self-review tool is free to use and is intended to help schools review their online safety
policy and prac�ce. 
Regardless of specific legal aspects, staff, children and young people need to feel safe and protected. The school’s
polices on promo�ng posi�ve rela�onships and behaviour and an�-bullying will provide a framework which should
underpin responses to cases where mobile phones have been, or are perceived to have been, misused. 
Policies should make clear that there are consequences for misusing mobile technologies. In cases of extreme misuse
where criminal events have been recorded using a mobile device, this immediately becomes a police mater and the
school should place the device in the hands of the police without trying to access the contents. School staff cannot
access content on a pupil’s mobile phone without the pupil’s consent, or the consent of their parent or carer where
the pupil does not have capacity to consent. 
Taking photographs, videos or audio recordings of an individual without their permission may be regarded as a
breach of that person’s rights, and may, in some instances, be regarded as an offence by the police. 
Should images of recordings be uploaded onto social networks without permission from the data subject, the
individual should be asked to remove this as part of the normal behaviour policy of the school. 
The Council does not accept responsibility for any damage to mobile phones whilst on school property. 
Appendix One: Hints and Tips
The following are a range of hints and �ps for considera�on as you are crea�ng your own local context policy. These
have been collated from other schools who shared what they have done to make it work in their context. This policy
sits within the wider rela�onships policy for your school and should link to your core values. Consistency is key. 
• Each class could be given a box to store the mobile phones on arrival in the classroom. 
• Mobile phones and wearables e.g. Smart Watches, should have no�fica�ons turned off.
• Staff should not handle the mobile phones – the pupil puts their mobile phone in the box and retrieves it so
they remain responsible for the device. This needs to be agreed with staff and should be woven into the
wider rela�onships policy.
• Agree with staff, pupils and parents the procedure should a pupil refuse to put the mobile phone in the box
to ensure this is dealt with the same way in every class. It may be helpful to discuss the procedure within
your cluster.

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• Regular reminders are given to pupils through assemblies to ensure all are clear about the procedures. This is
linked to the posi�ve rela�onships policy and not just about mobile phones. A flowchart outlining this may
be useful for schools.
• It may be useful to agree the procedure for a�er school clubs, events and residen�als with staff, pupils and
parents.
• Spot checks where a pupil claims not to have a mobile phone are useful and could be followed up by a phone
call to the parent.
• Challenging situa�ons will arise with pupils refusing to comply – be aware of this and make sure that a
consistent approach to dealing with this is in place and agreed with pupils, staff and parents. 
• Fire evacua�on procedures must be agreed in advance – the priority is to evacuate pupils, not the mobile
phones. AirPods and wearables should not be used in class as pupils cannot hear the fire alarm.
• Consider when to implement the policy. Some secondary schools ini�ally implemented with S1 – S3 during
exam leave to make it easier to manage. They got pupils to create video clips around what had been agreed –
for pupils and parents – and promoted these widely.
• Schools may find it helpful to provide parents with reference to useful literature that will help them
understand the need for this policy:
o TED talk – htps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpjSEY3pe7U
o Get Safe Online
 htps://www.getsafeonline.org/personal/ar�cle-category/safeguarding-children/ 
o Health and Wellbeing resources
 htps://sway.cloud.microso�/8m9tr0cQVAE5mKOC?ref=Link 
 htps://sway.cloud.microso�/SpUNDeYyeo8YblbH?ref=Link&loc=mysways 
o SQA
 htps://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/107507.html 
Further Links 
• htps://www.gov.scot/publica�ons/mobile-phone-guidance-scotlands-schools/ 
• htps://www.ades.scot/Content/UserGenerated/file/RRlearningbeyondboundaries1.pdf 
• htps://www.ades.scot/Content/UserGenerated/file/InsightsfromYoungPeopleandTeachersinScotland_Learni
ngBeyondBoundaries_TheStaffCollegeandADES_final301024.pdf 
• htps://www.channel4.com/programmes/swiped-the-school-that-banned-smartphones