Dear Parent/Carer,

Parent/Carer Survey: Contributing to the Development of a New Mobile Phone Policy

We are currently reviewing our approach to mobile phone use at Wick High School and would greatly value your views as a parent/carer.

As you may be aware, mobile phone use can have a significant impact on learning and teaching. Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, stated in August 2024:

“Within this context it is important that Scotland’s headteachers are empowered to act in the best interests of their pupils, to support our hard-working teachers to ensure a consistent learning environment is provided to all pupils in our classrooms.”

Why We Are Considering a Change

Current research suggests several compelling reasons to reconsider our mobile phone policy:

• Reduced Distractions: Mobile phones can be a major distraction in class, leading to reduced concentration and academic performance. Restricting phone use helps maintain a focused, productive learning environment.
• Enhanced Social Interaction: Without phones, students are more likely to engage in face-to-face communication, building better social skills, peer relationships, and a stronger school community.
• Improved Academic Performance: Schools that limit phone use often see improved test scores and overall performance, as students are more engaged with their learning.
• Reduction in Cyberbullying: Phones can facilitate harmful online behaviour. A ban helps reduce the risk of cyberbullying during school hours.
• Promotion of Better Habits: A phone-free policy encourages pupils to build self-control, improve time management, and become less dependent on devices.

What a New Policy Might Look Like

We are considering a policy where Wick High School becomes a “mobile phone-free school.” This would involve the following:

• While mobile phones could still be brought to school, they would not be seen, heard, or used at any time in school, including during break and lunch times, transitions, and before registration.
• Pupils would be expected to store their phones in lockers or school bags during the school day.
• If a pupil uses their phone in school, it will be removed and returned at the end of the school day.
• Where phone access is essential for individual students, arrangements can be made in consultation with parents/carers.

Have Your Say

We are inviting all parents and carers to contribute to our survey to help us shape a policy that best supports our students’ wellbeing and learning.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by clicking the link below:

Wick High School Parent/Carer Mobile Phone Survey

If you would like more context, you can also view a short presentation summarising the results of surveys completed by staff and pupils on this topic:

View the survey results presentation here as a PDF download or as a video:

Your feedback is crucial and will help us make an informed decision that reflects the views of our school community.

Thank you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,
Sebastian Sandecki

Head Teacher

Wick High School