LOCHGELLY High are taking steps to becoming a "mobile phone-free school".

The Scottish Government have given headteachers the power to ban the devices as part of a plan to tackle physical and verbal abuse.

There were more than 4,400 'violence, aggression and threat' incidents in Fife schools in 2023-24 and education secretary Jenny Gilruth said the new guidance would allow for a "full ban on the school estate if they feel that is required".

And rector Ross Stewart told us this week: "At Lochgelly High School we are moving towards becoming a mobile phone-free school.

"Learners will, of course, still be welcome to use their phones at break and lunch although we do not anticipate any need for them in corridors between classes or, particularly, in classrooms - unless directed by a teacher to enhance learning experiences.

"We are in the process of creating a new mobile phone policy together with our pupil leadership team and parent council, in light of this new guidance which will ensure we work towards becoming mobile phone-free in a manner that best supports the needs of our young people here at Lochgelly."

Lochgelly High is to become a mobile phone-free school. Lochgelly High is to become a mobile phone-free school. (Image: Newsquest)

One Fife teacher, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "Education outcomes would improve at a stroke, from engagement, to focus, to mental health, to bullying. There is zero argument for not banning them."

She added: "The problem is that kids can’t help themselves and it’s an addiction.

"You tell them until you are blue in the face to put them away but they either comply for two minutes or ignore you completely.

"The only thing up for discussion is what the consequences should be."

We asked the seven high schools in West Fife if they were considering a ban on mobile phones.

As well as Lochgelly, Dunfermline High said they will be "reviewing their policy in light of the new guidance".

Mick McGee, headteacher at St Columba's, said: "We have a mobile phone policy in place, which only allows young people to use their phones in designated social areas. We'll be reviewing this policy at regular intervals to ensure it remains effective."

The remaining four - Beath, Inverkeithing, Queen Anne and Woodmill - have yet to say what their plans are.

However the Queen Anne newsletter reminded all pupils that mobile phones "must be on silent and out of sight within all classrooms and in corridors".

Fife Council's executive director for education, Donald Macleod, said: "Our schools already monitor the use of mobile phones on a case-by-case basis but this guidance will help schools enforce any action they are taking to deal with issues of poor behaviour."

The local authority's education spokesperson, Councillor Cara Hilton, said it was up to headteachers to come up with the best approach.

She went on: “Mobile phones have become a central part of most of our lives and I know many young people rely on having their phone with them during the school day, whether to keep in contact with friends and family or to use to pay for lunch at the shops.

"Many young people also use their mobile phone to assist with school work and where no one-to-one devices are provided, they can be an invaluable learning tool.

"However, we have all seen the less positive impact mobile phones in the classroom can have, causing issues and often distress for staff, teachers and pupils."

Education scrutiny convener, Cllr Kathleen Leslie, said: “We understand the distraction and disruption mobile phones can cause in the classroom.

"Indeed, the more I read about mobile phone usage amongst young people the more alarmed I become.

“However, this looks like a bit of an ad hoc policy.

"Whilst I am in favour of headteachers deciding what works best for their school this is likely to add to workload.

"Schools will need to assess and consult if this is a policy they want to enact.

"That will need to be weighed against factors such as support from parents and carers and how teaching staff will address this in the classroom.

"What will be in place to ensure that any confiscated phones are kept safe and if they are lost then what, who will bear responsibility for that?”

She highlighted the Scottish Government's "failure" to provide pupils with one-to-one digital devices for learning, promised back in 2021, and added: "If our pupils in Fife all have access to a device then the need to access a mobile for learning within the classroom goes away.

"Until such a time comes this is not always going to be possible."