Moray Council has become the second local authority in Scotland to implement a comprehensive ban on mobile phones in classrooms, following in the footsteps of Perth and Kinross Council. The new policy, set to take effect from August, will see an outright ban in all Moray primary schools and require secondary pupils to keep their phones switched off and out of sight during the school day.
The move comes amid growing concerns about the disruptive impact of mobile phones on learning and wellbeing. Moray Council hopes the ban will “reduce disruption in the classroom and help to tackle bullying”.
Sheila Brumby, a supply teacher who addressed the council’s education committee, welcomed the new guidelines, stating: “There are very few instances where pupils are using their mobile phones in school for educational benefits.”
She described frequent classroom disruptions caused by students messaging during lessons and even recounted incidents where parents called their children during class time, which she labelled “unacceptable.” Brumby also highlighted the issue of teachers being filmed without consent and shared on social media platforms like TikTok.
Education committee chairwoman Kathleen Robertson acknowledged both the benefits and risks of mobile devices: “We recognise that mobile devices are a part of everyday life and can enhance learning and teaching. But we also recognise the risks associated with young people bringing their devices into school, namely bullying and harassment with inappropriate use detracting from learning.”
A recent consultation involving over 3,200 parents, pupils, and staff found 73% in favour of the ban, though students themselves were largely opposed.
The broader debate: Distraction, Bullying, and Wellbeing
Academic research supports many of the council’s concerns. Studies have shown that mobile phones are a significant source of distraction in classrooms, with constant notifications and access to social media undermining students’ focus and academic performance. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that two-thirds of 15-year-olds reported being distracted by digital devices in most maths classes, and students distracted by peers using devices scored significantly lower in tests.
Bullying is another major issue. The Scottish government’s 2023 research identified the “abusive use of mobile phones and digital technologies” as one of the most frequently experienced serious disruptive behaviours in secondary schools, including cyberbullying and the filming of incidents for social media.
What Effect Will the Ban Have?
Proponents argue that banning phones will give teachers more time to teach, reduce classroom disruptions, and help address bullying. Councillor Sandy Keith suggested the restrictions would “give [teachers] time back they’ve not got” by reducing the need to police phone use. International research indicates that phone bans can improve academic performance, particularly for lower-achieving students, and help reduce educational inequalities.
However, the evidence is not unanimous. Some recent studies found no significant link between phone bans and improvements in academic performance or mental health, though they did reduce in-school phone use. There are also concerns about unintended consequences, such as students being less able to contact parents in emergencies or feeling unsafe on journeys to and from school.
Will Other Scottish Councils Follow?
Moray is only the second council in Scotland to introduce a blanket ban, after Perth and Kinross. Other local authorities, like Edinburgh, have taken steps to restrict phone use, often leaving enforcement to individual schools. The Scottish Government recently issued guidance empowering headteachers to implement bans if they see fit, but stopped short of mandating a nationwide policy. Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth stated, “This guidance makes it clear that our headteachers are authorised to take measures, including implementing comprehensive school-wide bans.”
With growing public and political attention on the issue, and as more councils trial stricter policies, it is possible that others will follow Moray’s lead. The debate is likely to continue as schools, parents, and policymakers weigh the benefits of reducing distractions and bullying against concerns about student autonomy, safety, and the role of technology in education.
