Council to investigate smartphones in schools

West Lothian Council has agreed a composite motion to investigate the use of smart devices in our school estate. 

The motion, originally proposed by Lib Dem Councillor Sally Pattle and further developed with SNP Councillor Moira McKee-Shemilt, calls for a report on the issue by the end of the school year.

As Councillor Sally Pattle explained during the debate:  

"I am enormously grateful for the collaborative work that has gone into developing this motion from all parties represented in this Chamber today. What we are calling for is an investigation into the use of smart devices across our school estate in West Lothian so that Elected Members can make an informed, evidence-based decision on their future use at every stage of education.

"The agreed composite motion, which the West Lothian Liberal Democrats proposed alongside the Scottish National Party, is far stronger than the original motion. I have been really energised by working through the motion with colleagues from all parties and believe what was agreed today will form the basis for a sustainable and long-term framework of use going forward.

"The use of smart devices in schools became ubiquitous without undergoing any formal decision-making process, which is why I feel so strongly that now is the time for us to have a full discussion into this issue.

"There are undoubted educational benefits to the use of smart technology, and some pupils will need access to smart devices for health & well-being and caring responsibilities.

"However, there is also a growing body of evidence to show the potential harm that can come from pupils accessing smart devices in an educational setting.

"I've spoken to teachers, parents, and most importantly pupils, and it's clear that there is a wide range of views that need to be taken into consideration, so I'm very pleased that pupil voices will be at the heart of this work going forward.

"We must identify any issues regarding their use in school, look for best practice and share experiences from other local authorities so that we can be assured we are acting in our young people's best interests as an Education Authority. And that we can reassure parents and guardians that we are protecting our young people as well as making sure they receive the best possible educational experience.

"I am so pleased that we have managed to agree to start looking at smart device use in our schools so that we can be confident we are supporting staff, parents and carers and of course our young people to get the best of what the technology can offer, while eliminating any potential harm through an agreed set of operational procedures."