School pupils to be asked to store mobile phones in boxes during lessons

From Monday, Perth Grammar pupils will be asked to store their mobile phones in classroom boxes during lessons.

The school has updated its mobile device policy following consultation with parents and staff and recent guidance published by both the Scottish Government and Perth and Kinross Council.

The updated policy will come into force when pupils return on October 27.

Depute headteacher Martin Reid wrote to parents and carers ahead of the October holidays announcing the new policy and school day structure.

He told parents and carers that, as of Monday, October 27, “mobile devices must be stored in classroom device boxes during lessons”. Mobile phone use will also not be allowed between lessons; pupils will have to store phones in school bags or “out of sight”.

“Responsible use” will be allowed during breaks and lunchtimes.

It will also be permitted in class “when directed by a teacher when using the Mobile Phone infographics”.

All classrooms will have a traffic light infographic system which will display a red-amber-green indicator: green (permitted), amber (restricted) or red (not allowed).

Just before the summer Perth Grammar School issued a questionnaire asking parents and staff for their views on mobile phone use within the school.

Mr Reid – who is responsible for School Improvement – said the school was encouraged by the “strong response” with 169 families and 54 staff taking part and “offering a wide range of perspectives”.

He said the feedback was “instrumental” in shaping the school’s revised policy, “which aims to balance the benefits of mobile technology with the need to maintain a respectful, focused, and inclusive learning environment”.

59% of parents supported mobile phone use only under specific learning-related conditions, with 34% parents wanting a complete ban during the school day.

The vast majority – 88% – supported a phone-free classroom policy.

The benefits most cited were safety (47%) and access to learning tools (31%). And the most common concerns were distraction (52%) and cyberbullying/negative impacts on wellbeing (28%).

A PKC spokesperson said: “Councillors approved our new mobile phone policy for schools in April.

“Since then, schools have been engaging with pupils, parents and carers to tailor their approach to each school’s individual circumstances.”

PKC’s personal mobile devices policy was unanimously approved by the Learning and Families Committee in April 2025.

It was to be implemented in schools from August 2025 to 2028vand is to be closely monitored on its effectiveness.

It was agreed that from August 2025 Perth and Kinross schools – without exception – would be asked to adhere to the following standards:

Mobile phones and other digital devices may only be used – if at all – in
Accordance with each school’s clearly developed policy
The use of mobile phones and digital devices is strictly prohibited
During lesson time unless explicitly permitted by the teacher for educational purposes
Each school will be able to manage this in a way that suits their context but – as a minimum – devices must be turned off or set to silent mode and stored in a manner that does not disturb the learning environment or the wellbeing of others when pupils are not permitted to use them by the teacher
Mobile phones and digital devices are not allowed in examination rooms unless required for the exam and approved by the school SQA coordinator
In emergencies, the school office will be the primary means of contact between the school and home, with no need for a parent/carer to contact their child on their digital device during the school day