By Lars Niven

PUPILS WHO disrupt lessons at Lochgelly High by using their mobile phones will have them confiscated under new rules to be introduced at the school from today.

The tough measures are designed to ensure that pupils pay attention in class, rather than spending their time secretly texting their friends.

Like most schools in Fife, Lochgelly High used to operate a complete ban on youngsters taking their mobile phones to school.

However, that has proved too hard to police, and staff found that the majority of pupils were flouting the rule.

The new policy has been spelled out in the school’s latest newsletter to parents.

Rector Brian Blanchflower said, “We live in a world where the mobile phone is considered by most young people as an absolute essential to everyday life and so must be carried at all times.

“This causes a problem with regards to school where the mobile phone is a constant source of conflict between some pupils and their teachers, as a minority of pupils disturb the majority by using their phones during lessons etc.

“In the past Lochgelly High School’s answer to this, in line with most other schools’, was to ban pupils from bringing their phones to school, but like most blanket bans it was impossible to fully enforce and is currently flouted by the majority of pupils.”

Under the new rules youngsters will be able to take their mobile phones to school, provided they accept certain conditions.

They include:

* All phones must be switched off during the school’s working hours, which are between 8.45 and 10.55 am, between 11.15 am and 12.35 pm and from 1.30-3.30 pm.

* During those times phones must remain in pupils’ bags and not be brought out for any reason.

* No pictures or sound recording are to made at any time on the school premises.

* No pictures or sound recording are to be made at any time during a school trip, or a school activity, without permission from the supervising teacher.

If any of the conditions are not adhered to, then anyone who breaks the rules will have their mobile confiscated by the nearest teacher.

The phones will then be handed to the rector, or one of his deputes. Pupils will be able to collect them at the end of the school day.

However, if pictures or sound recordings are made, the mobile will be returned to the offending pupil’s parent or guardian.

Persistent offenders will have the right to bring their phone to school removed for a time.

The newsletter reminds parents and guardians that in an emergency situation they should always contact staff at the main reception desk on 01592 418000.

Urgent messages will be passed on as soon as possible.

Mobile phones are not considered necessary for that type of use in school.

They are also reminded that the school has no insurance cover for mobile phones, or any other personal belongings.

Valuable items should be left at home.

In addition the school has also warned pupils not to take short cuts across the Fife Circle railway line.

British Transport Police have said there has been a substantial increase in the number of freight trains using the line, making crossing the line extremely dangerous, not to mention illegal.

Parents and guardians are asked to remind children to stay away from the railway line.