Mobile phone use

Re: Updated mobile phone policy following consultation December 2025

Thank you for all your contributions regarding our recent mobile phone policy consultation. The process has been fairly robust with over half of parents and carers responding, 75% of pupils and virtually all staff, which indicates that many people want a say on this. I am also steered by recent research from various sources across Scotland which reveal the firm links between high levels of screen use and the likelihood of being depressed, anxious or self-harming by age 20. Research also points out that a third of children across Scotland spend more than six hours per day on their mobile phones for leisure during the school week, which is associated with declining mental health, low self-esteem and social problems. Whilst consultation is very important, it falls upon myself to take the school in the right direction regarding this important policy and unfortunately, I am not able to please everyone. Therefore, if you have any positive feedback, complaints or concerns, please contact me directly via email or phone (gavin.murphy@highland.gov.uk or 01540 661475). The refreshed policy will become live from Monday 12th January 2026 and assemblies at the start of the term will see the key messages shared with all young people.  

Our refreshed policy

• We continue to be a no phone zone, which has been in place since 2019. This includes no phones during social times, moving around the school and in lessons. 

• If a mobile phone is seen by staff, there will be no warning and the phone will be confiscated and taken to reception.

• Mobile phones will be issued back to the pupil at the end of the day or at lunchtime for senior pupils, if they need to use their phone to pay for lunch. We will expect the phone to be handed back into the office after lunch and to be collected at the end of the day.

• Teachers will use their discretion in the use of mobile phones to aid teaching and learning and where appropriate, ipads, google chromebooks and/or other devices will be utilised instead. 

• If a pupil wishes to bring their phone to school, it must be kept out of sight at all times and in their school bag. 

• Mobile phones continue to be allowed on school transport.

• S6 have special privileges in a number of ways and they are allowed to use their phones in their common room but nowhere else in the school. 

Your sincerely, 

Gavin Murphy

Head Teacher

Kingussie High School