Pupils at the High School of Dundee are putting their mobiles away today for our first Phone Free Friday.
From August 2025 pupils will, with a few exceptions, not be permitted to use their phones on school premises. To help our young people prepare for an environment in which mobiles are not seen or heard, every Friday between now and the end of session will be phone free.
The change in approach has come following much consideration and aims to ensure that our pupils enjoy the healthiest, most connected school environment possible. While phones have become an essential part of daily life for most people, recent data has highlighted the addictive nature of smartphones and their impact on children and young people’s ability to focus. Studies have also shown a link between social media use and declining mental health in young people, as well as an increase in pastoral issues caused by social media and smartphone use.
Every Friday, from today onwards, the rules on mobile phone use will match those that will be in place every school day from August 2025 onwards. Phones and other mobile devices should be switched off and stored away prior to coming onto campus. Their use will also be restricted on the School’s Mayfield/Dalnacraig buses.
Pupils, parents, and staff were all consulted ahead of the decision, with the majority in favour of a restriction on smart phones during the core school day.
Deputy Rector Sam Watson said: “To date, the most common approach by educators has been to teach and encourage young people to use their smartphones responsibly to prepare them for adulthood.
“However, in recent years, there has been a definite shift towards providing an educational environment free from the distraction of smartphones and we believe that this is the correct path for the Senior Years at the High School of Dundee.”
Any pupil who fails to engage with the new requirements will have their phone confiscated until the end of the day, when it can be collected from the School Office.
Exceptions have been made for those with medical conditions or pastoral needs which necessitate a mobile phone.
Mrs Watson added: “We believe that this approach will have a positive impact on learning and teaching, as well as the general wellbeing of our pupils.”
