Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 12 December 2023
12 Dec 2023 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Literacy and Numeracy
The member raised that issue at First Minister’s question time last week and in asking questions about a recent parliamentary statement. She knows my view on the issue, which is that, where headteachers see fit, they should use the power that is at their disposal. As cabinet secretary, I do not have a power to compel schools to enforce a national ban. It is for teachers to work on the matter with their young people, parents and local community, and it will require them to buy into that process. However, I have discussed with the member a number of schools where bans are working successfully in practice. Also, evidence from the United Nations earlier this year suggests that excessive use of digital devices in schools can detract from the quality of learning and teaching. We need to be mindful of the mix between traditional and more modern approaches to learning and teaching.
The member asked for a timeframe, but I do not currently have one in front of me. However, I am happy to write to the member and update Parliament on that point. We will look to refresh the current guidance, which is not prescriptive on the issue. I will make sure that national guidance is in the future prescriptive in giving that option to headteachers, so that they are empowered to ban mobile phones if they choose.
In the same item of business
The Deputy Presiding Officer (Annabelle Ewing)
SNP
The next item of business is a statement by Jenny Gilruth on literacy and numeracy. The cabinet secretary will take questions at the end of her statement, so...
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills (Jenny Gilruth)
SNP
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The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
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Liam Kerr (North East Scotland) (Con)
Con
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
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Pam Duncan-Glancy (Glasgow) (Lab)
Lab
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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Con
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The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
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SNP
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SNP
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LD
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SNP
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The Deputy Presiding Officer
SNP
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SNP
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SNP
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SNP
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Sue Webber (Lothian) (Con)
Con
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Jenny Gilruth
SNP
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