The first week after the introduction of a new ban on mobile phones at Nairn Academy has been hailed as ‘very positive’ by the school.
A ban on mobile phones has come into action at Nairn Academy last week. Picture: monkeybusinessimages/iStock.
At their return from the festive holiday break students in Nairn had to give up their phones on school premises – which now have to be switched off and kept in a bag, lockers or at home.
RELATED: Should mobile phones be banned in Moray schools?
This move is aimed at increasing social interaction at school and reducing distraction over the school day.
After the first week, a school spokesperson posted on the school’s website: “Feedback from the first week has been very positive.
“We know this has been a difficult shift for us all (staff and pupils) and we are very grateful for the collective effort.
“We had single figures of phones visible Monday and Tuesday, a slight spike to 13 on Wednesday and 4 today.
“We know this will take time to shift the habit as we work to create a more positive social and learning culture around the school but we are determined to support this for our young people.
“Staff and visitors have noted more social interactions amongst pupils at break times which is great.”
When asked whether they supported the move, a vast majority of our readers commented that they found this was a positive decision by the school.
One of the parents, Claire Doughty Rhind said the ban seemed to be going well.
She said: “My son has not really been up nor down about it. The school has put on extra activities to help. He’s been playing cards with some pupils.
“The communication from the school has been very clear and easy to understand.
“My son generally gets the public bus to and from school. Sometimes if my work commitments change and I’m able to pick him up, I do. We’ve just told him to turn on his phone as soon as he gets out the gate and to check for any messages. The school were also able to pass on a message to him this week. For us, it’s been straightforward.”
Karin Thain was also in support of the new policy.
She commented: “They are allowed their phones as long as they are off so they can use them if they leave the school at lunch.
“Culloden has a classroom ban, each school gets to trial different things.
“I wish we’d had lunchtime activities that didn’t involve hanging round smoking in the bike sheds, oh those good old days I don’t think they get up to half the stuff we used to.”
Kirstin Rattray agreed: “Absolutely! Children should be at school learning, not faffing about on their phones. If there is an emergency then parents can phone the school, remember there wasa time when we didnt have mobile phones, how the hell did people cope?! Time to get back to a simple life.”
Other people said that a middle ground could be found instead of a general ban.
Fae Rosalia Ducker said: “I agree with banning them in a classroom, but a general ban is less attractive – what if the weather delays pickup, or an emergency happens?
“And heaven forbid, what if a child was dealing with problems at home, and the mobile phone was their only means of outside support? All things in moderation.”
Laura Trappitt added: “I agree there is a time and a place for mobile phones. However I also feel that both parents and schools should be teaching safe and responsible usage of technology.”
Although most people agreed they should not be allowed in class, some were also concerned about children not being able to use their phones for emergencies or to monitor health conditions.
Kirsty McCallum said: “No. Ban them in classrooms, sure, but not a blanket ban on the whole premises.
“Some kids may need to contact someone in an emergency, or may have health conditions or special needs that require them to have a phone (I’m thinking glucose monitors that send notifications when blood sugar is too low/high). Some also may go to activities or other places after school and don’t have the time to go all the way home to get their phone then go all the way back.”
James Fraser commented: “In classes yes, blanket ban, no. I dare say some parents feel content knowing they can contact their child, and vice versa. Also, some parents will have trackers for their safety, and use for medical reasons.”
Jo Anderson commented: “Absolutely not. They should be banned in classes of course but when children have to travel a distance to school they should be allowed their phones in their bags for emergencies.”
Anandhu R Vishwanath believes that “simply banning phones” won’t work in the long run.
He said: “Instead, we should find creative ways to empower them and help them understand why the ban exists in a way they can relate to. By involving them in the process and showing them how phones impact their focus, social life, and mental well-being, we can encourage real change, not just temporary compliance.”