Time to ban phones in schools?

Teachers and unions have spoken out about the abuse – known in the classroom as ‘upskirting’ and ‘downblousing’– which see female teachers and schoolgirls photographed unwittingly by male pupils who then share the images.

Such actions are a criminal offence and SNP MSP Jamie Dornan, the Holyrood education committee convenor, said: "We have to look at all options. Clearly this is extremely concerning and we have a duty of care to pupils and staff.

"If this can't be dealt with then local authorities may have to consider the ultimate sanction of banning mobile phones in schools."

Teaching union NASUWT wants tighter restrictions on phones in schools, and said female teachers are suffering harm to their “physical and mental health and wellbeing”.Teenage girls are also left distraught by such abuse.

A Fife EIS spokesman said he was unaware of any particular incidents in the Kingdom’s schools but added that didn’t mean it wasn’t happening.

“We have serious concerns about some of the things described here and we are very aware that things like “sexting” are happening in schools,” David Farmer said.

“But the difficulty is how would we put a ban into practice? Fife Council’s approach is that phones can be used for family emergencies but should not be used in the classroom. Most children follow these rules, but these reports are very serious and it may be time for the council to look at their policy again.”

Keir Bloomer, a leading Scottish educationalist, described the use of phones in schools as “an instrument of abuse”, arguing that a French-style ban should be introduced where children are allowed to bring phones but are barred from using them in school time.

Fife Council's Jacqueline Price said: “We recognise that mobile technology can be a powerful aid to learning and teaching and can bring a sense of security to parents as their children enjoy more independent activities, such as walking to and from school.

“Safe and responsible use of phones can be very positive and all Fife schools have rules and procedures in place on how phones can be used.

“Schools are aware of the potential misuse of technology and the possible impact upon behaviour.

“There are appropriate behaviour and relationship policies in place in every school and, importantly, schools take appropriate action to prevent issues arising in the first place, including the promotion of positive relationships and respect.

“The kind of behaviour described here is unacceptable in any context and should this occur in any of our schools, we would ask that this is reported immediately so that the matter can be investigated and dealt with.”