School Mobile Phone Policy

Reason for the policy

At Woodmill High School, we want every young person to learn in an environment that is calm, respectful and fully focused on learning.  All of our young people will have access to their own iPad device from August.

The Scottish Government has introduced guidance to restrict mobile phone use in schools to support improved learning, wellbeing, and inclusion.

There are increasing concerns about the impact mobile phones can have on:

• concentration and engagement
• relationships between young people and bullying
• overall wellbeing

Evidence indicates that excessive mobile phone use can negatively impact young people’s concentration, engagement in lessons, and overall attainment, while also contributing to issues such as cyberbullying, distraction, and anxiety.

 We want to create clearer expectations around when and how mobile phones can be used, the policy aims to help schools provide calmer, more focused learning environments, strengthen positive relationships, and promote respectful behaviour.

 This is about getting the right conditions in place so our young people can thrive and enjoy being at school.

What this means for Woodmill

From August, we will operate a “phone-free during the school day” approach.

In simple terms: 

• Phones should be switched off and out of sight.  This should be in a school bag or locker.
• Pupils should not be wearing any AirPods or Earbuds.
• Phones should not be used in classes, corridors or social spaces at any time during the day.

What we want this to achieve

This is not just about removing distraction — it is about strengthening what matters most to us at Woodmill:

• Better focus and improved attainment
• Stronger, more positive relationships
• Improved wellbeing and reduced anxiety
• More opportunity for young people to connect, participate and experience joy in school life.

 How we will respond if needed

We will take a calm, fair and consistent approach: 

• A reminder and opportunity to put the phone away
• Temporary removal if required
• Ongoing issues will involve contact with home and supportive follow-up

 When exceptions are needed

We recognise that some young people will need access to a phone. We will ensure appropriate, agreed exceptions for:

• medical needs
• additional support needs
• family or safeguarding circumstances

These identified needs should be discussed with your young person’s Guidance Teacher.

How you can support this

Parental and Carer support really matters. You can help by:

• reinforcing that phones are not needed during the school day
• contacting the school office for any urgent messages
• encouraging healthy, balanced use of technology at home

Where pupils require to contact home during the school day, this should be via the main office, so that any important or necessary information is shared appropriately with school staff when required and so that any communication home by pupils should not impact on the learning of a classroom.