Mobile phones to be banned in all Edinburgh secondary schools from August

Mobile phones will be banned in all state secondary schools in Edinburgh after the summer holidays. From August, pupils will have to put their devices in magnetically sealed pouches throughout the school day, including during breaks and lunchtime. A consultation on the issue found 75% of parents and staff were in favour, although most pupils still wanted access to their devices during breaks. Edinburgh city councillors decided a ban covering the whole of the school day would be the most effective. Meanwhile, primary pupils will have to place their mobiles in lockers throughout the day. The new policy also covers smartwatches in both primary and secondary schools. An exemption policy will be developed for pupils who need access to their phones during the day for health or other reasons. Edinburgh councillors said the mobile phone ban was designed to improve pupils' concentration, behaviour and wellbeing. Councillor James Dalgleish, convener of the education, children and families committee, described the ban as "a monumental step for Edinburgh's children and young people" He added: "I am proud that we are one of the first local authorities in the country to introduce widespread rest