More than 70% of Secondary School Teachers in Scotland Believe Mobile Phones Impact Student Behavior
The Scottish Secondary Teachers Association has raised concerns regarding the impact of smartphones on student behavior in class.
Based on a survey of nearly 1,500 professionals, over 70 percent of secondary school teachers in Scotland believe that mobile phones are exacerbating disciplinary issues among students.
Conducted in February, the survey collected responses from 1,451 SSTA members, revealing that 71 percent of the participants thought that mobile phones were negatively affecting pupil behavior.
Furthermore, 90 percent of teachers stated that students were becoming detached due to their excessive phone usage.
Mobile Phones ‘Taking Over Their Lives’
Seamus Searson, the SSTA general secretary, expressed concerns about the situation, stating, “Mobile phones are hindering teaching and causing problems for students on a scale that many teachers and parents may not realize.”
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He stressed, “The mobile phone has become the most crucial possession for students, overshadowing their lives and futures.”
Mr. Searson called for a united effort from the Scottish Government, local authorities, schools, and parents to redefine the acceptable use of mobile phones and their role in young people’s lives.
- 90 percent of teachers worrying about texting during lessons.
- 80 percent observing students taking photos during class.
- 60 percent concerned about social media bullying.
- 46 percent witnessing students answering phone calls in class.
- 41 percent aware of students viewing inappropriate content.
Last month, a coroner issued a report on the prevention of future deaths after 14-year-old Mia Janin took her own life following months of cyberbullying.
According to the inquest, teachers at the Jewish Free School in north London were unaware of the bullying Mia experienced and did not witness any incidents.
Last month, the British government issued guidelines to schools in England but stopped short of a complete ban on phones.
One of the individuals responsible for Brianna’s tragic death, Scarlet Jenkinson, downloaded an app at 14 to access the dark web and watch disturbing videos.
James Cowans, SSTA education convenor, shared, “Schools are struggling to enforce effective mobile phone policies.”
“Issues such as inconsistency, legality, student compliance, lack of consequences, and insufficient support from local authorities need to be addressed for a successful policy implementation,” he added.
Gordonstoun, an independent boarding school, has restricted phone usage since 2017, prohibiting students from having phones in class and requiring them to surrender them overnight.
Cyber Bullying ‘Fallen Off a Cliff’ Since Boarding School Ban
The principal of Gordonstoun, Lisa Kerr, noted a significant change in student behavior.
She reported, “Incidents of cyberbullying have significantly decreased at Gordonstoun compared to other schools. Our academic focus has improved, and our academic results have risen over the past five years, partly due to our mobile phone policy.”
Ms. Kerr expressed deep concern over the findings of the SSTA survey, describing them as a wake-up call.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government mentioned, “Although the Scottish Government cannot unilaterally ban mobile phones in schools, we will soon issue updated guidance on their usage.”
“Head teachers should have the authority to take necessary actions, including restricting phone usage, in alignment with the forthcoming guidance,” they added.
PA Media contributed to this report.
