A policy on the use of mobile devices in Perth and Kinross schools will go before councillors next spring.
The update was provided at a meeting of the council’s Learning and Families Committee on Wednesday, October 23.
In developing the policy, consideration will be given not just to the use of mobile phones in schools but various digital devices including smartwatches.
It comes after the Scottish Government updated its non-statutory guidance in August 2024 on the use of mobile technology in schools placing the decision on whether or not to implement a ban into the hands of headteachers.
As the committee approved the minutes of previous meetings before continuing with the day’s business, Liberal Democrat Perth City South councillor Liz Barrett sought an update on Perth and Kinross Council’s mobile phone policy.
The minutes of the Joint Negotiating Committee for Teaching Staff simply stated “guidance on use of mobile phones will be communicated as soon as available” leading Cllr Barrett to ask council officials “what was happening with that”.
Secondary Education service manager David Macluskey said: “I’m actually meeting with staff in schools this afternoon to begin to map out the consultative exercise round about the creation of a PKC mobile phone policy. That will continue throughout term two.
“There will be a paper brought to this committee, I think in February or March 2025.”
During a later discussion on the council’s 2024 Youth Strategy, the local authority’s strategic lead for Education and Learning Sheena Devlin stressed the need to consider smartwatches as well as mobile phones in discussions.
She said: “Whatever you can get on your phone you can get on a smartwatch as well so we don’t just want to be talking about the use of phones.”
Following the meeting Perth and Kinross Council confirmed it would consider looking beyond just the use mobile phones in schools when developing its policy.
A council spokesperson said: “We are at an early stage in the development of a mobile device policy for schools so no final decisions have been made at this time. As part of the development process, we will be considering the various types of common electronic/digital devices such as tablets, smartphones and smartwatches and how any new policy might apply to these devices.”