Paul Givan in bid to restrict mobile phone use in schools

A complete ban on pupils bringing phones into school is thought to be most appropriate for primary schools.

A ban is less likely to be suggested for post-primary schools.

However, post-primary pupils handing in their phones to staff at the start of the school day is thought to be one of the approaches recommended.

The guidance is likely to make exceptions for pupils who need to have a phone for medical reasons, for example.

It is also likely to say it is still important that pupils are taught digital skills.

However, it will point out that research has raised concerns about the negative impact of smartphone and social media use on children and young people’s mental health.

While the guidance is not legally binding, schools will be expected to observe it in drawing up their own rules.

Some schools already have policies in place that restrict mobile phone use by pupils.

In many cases, pupils can bring a phone to school, but they must not be visible during the school day.

That means pupils cannot take them out during classes unless they are part of a lesson, or use them at break or lunchtimes.

In some cases, if a pupil is caught using a phone, it is confiscated, and the pupil can collect it at the end of the school day.