Equality Impact Assessment for Mobile Phone Guidance for Scotland's Schools

Key Findings

It is acknowledged that whilst there is increased evidence there remain limitations on the evidence base specific to mobile phone use in schools, and the individual protected characteristics. However, there is known evidence in relation to the experiences of bullying behaviours arising from protected characteristics. The guidance addresses the issue of inappropriate contact, including privacy issues.

The refreshed guidance continues to acknowledge that there require to be exceptions to local policies related to factors associated with specific protected characteristics. These relate particularly to pupils with disabilities, health needs, additional support needs and individual circumstances.

The mobile phone guidance will predominantly affect children and young people who attend school. The guidance applies to education authorities and the schools they manage and will be of interest to independent and grant-aided schools.

It will have most positive impacts in relation to children and young people aged 5-18 who are enrolled in school. It is expected to have positive impacts for pupils with certain protected characteristics arising from disability, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sexual orientation and gender reassignment due to the potentially increased experiences of bullying and other behaviours where mobile phones play a part.