World News for Students of English

23-05-2025 07:00

Two high schools in Edinburgh, Portobello High School and Queensferry High School, are the first in Scotland to ban mobile phones. Portobello had already started the new rule, and Queensferry began on May 14.

Under the new policy, students from S1 to S6 must place their phones in special magnetic-lock pouches at the beginning of the school day. These pouches stay with the students, but they cannot open them until the end of the school day. The decision to become phone-free was made after six months of discussions with students, parents, and carers. Focus groups met to discuss the idea, and 66% of parents from Portobello High School supported it. The schools wanted to make sure families agreed before starting this change.

The policy aims to improve the learning environment and engagement. It is hoped that removing the distraction of phones will help students pay more attention in class and spend less time on notifications or messages.

Difficult words: S1 – S6 (six years of secondary school education in Scotland, usually for children who are 12 – 18 years old), engagement (talking and working with others to make a decision), distraction (something that stops you from paying attention).

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