Students at Anderson High School Oppose Mobile Phone Ban

Pupils at Anderson High School (AHS) have expressed strong opposition to a proposed ban on mobile phones, describing it as “excessive” and akin to a “punishment.” This sentiment comes in response to a petition initiated by concerned parents last year, which called for mobile phones to be stored away during school hours. Parents voiced worries that students were accessing apps like TikTok and Snapchat at school, despite being restricted from using them at home.

The Shetland Islands Council has engaged in consultations with teachers, students, and parents to gather opinions on the use of mobile phones in schools. A report detailing the findings is expected to be presented to councillors later this year, with discussions scheduled for November 17, 2023.

In its recent feedback, the AHS Student Representative Council (SRC) firmly stated its opposition to an outright ban on mobile devices. In a school improvement plan developed collaboratively with staff, parents, and students for the upcoming 2025/26 academic year, the SRC articulated that such a prohibition would be an overreach and detrimental to student experience. They emphasized that mobile phones serve important functions, including appointment scheduling, organizing extracurricular activities, and providing a means of contact during emergencies.

The SRC pointed out that some students benefit from having their phones during breaks, as they can provide social support for peers who find social interactions challenging. Concerns were raised regarding the practicality of enforcing a ban and the potential consequences for students who might use their phones regardless of restrictions.

Additionally, there were apprehensions that an outright ban could inadvertently increase the risks of cyberbullying outside school, where faculty supervision is absent. The SRC highlighted that students exempt from the ban—such as those with health needs or anxiety—might become targets for bullying due to their ability to use phones while others cannot.

The SRC also cautioned that restricting access to phones during school hours could lead to increased usage at home, potentially fostering addiction. They argued that without mobile devices, students would require alternative technology solutions to meet their needs in school settings.

In December, Beenie-Ann Wood, a student from Brae Secondary School and now a Member of the Scottish Youth Parliament for Shetland, shared her views in an article for Shetland News. She noted that most students believed a blanket ban would likely lead to further disruptions and negatively impact their well-being. Wood emphasized the importance of maintaining communication between students and their families throughout the school day.

The petition launched by parents last November voiced a collective desire to mitigate the negative impacts of smartphones on education. Parents raised concerns about distractions in the classroom, the detrimental effects on mental health, and the potential for exposure to inappropriate content through social media and messaging apps. They also argued that mobile phones infringe on children’s privacy, allowing unauthorized recording and sharing of images among peers during school hours.

As the Shetland Islands Council prepares to review the mobile phone policy, its education and families committee is tasked with balancing effective guidance that supports educational success while prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of all students and staff. This ongoing dialogue highlights the complexities of integrating technology into educational environments, where the needs and concerns of all stakeholders must be carefully considered.