One Year In: Morrison’s Academy Showcases the Benefits of a Mobile-Free Campus

Perthshire’s leading independent day school reports that its mobile free campus policy has had a clear impact on pupils’ daily routines, with pupils engaging more fully with each other in and out of the classroom.

Morrison’s Academy in Crieff implemented restrictions on mobile phone use at the start of the 2024/25 academic year, in response to increasing evidence that overuse of smartphones can negatively impact young people’s mental health, concentration and overall wellbeing. Twelve months later, the school says pupils are more sociable, more active and more focused in class.
Under the policy, pupils from S1-S5 are asked to switch off and put away their phones and smartwatches before coming through the school gates each morning. Devices seen by staff during the school day are collected and held in the office until the end of the day.

Headphones and ear pods must also remain out of sight and pupils staying for co-curricular activities are expected to keep phones switched off. S6 pupils may use their devices only in designated areas and are expected to model positive digital habits.

Andrew McGarva, Rector of Morrison’s Academy, said: “From the outset, our aim was to help pupils develop healthier, more proportionate interactions with the digital world. A year on, it is clear that the policy has had a positive effect. Breaks and lunchtimes are more sociable, conversations are richer and the school day is free from the pressure of constant alerts or the influence of algorithms. Classrooms feel calmer and pupils are more focused on learning. The feedback from our young people, staff and families has reinforced that this decision has been in the best interests of the pupils in our care.”

Teachers have seen a marked change in how pupils spend their free time. Alex Wylie, Head of Geography and Teaching & Learning Coordinator, recently walked in on a group of pupils gathered on the classroom sofa while one played guitar. “If they’d all had mobile phones in their hands, that moment would never have happened,” he said. “We are seeing more play, more conversation and more creativity. It feels like pupils have reclaimed a bit of childhood.”

The policy has even helped some families delay the purchase of a smartphone until children truly need one. “Some parents are deciding that if phones aren’t required in school, there’s no need to rush into getting one,” added Mr Wylie. “It removes the peer-pressure argument of ‘everyone else has one’.”

Senior pupils say the shift has extended far beyond the school gates. S6 pupil Zoe said: “There’s not that constant habit anymore. Because we don’t use our phones all day at school, I don’t feel like I need it as much afterwards. Even when I meet up with friends, we’re not sitting on our phones the way we used to. The quality of conversation has improved so much.”

Fellow S6 pupil, Darcy, agreed, explaining that the policy has helped her create healthier digital routines. “I set time limits on apps like TikTok now. It reminds me that I’ve been on too long and should do something more productive. If I had the choice, I wouldn’t go back to how things were before. You’re here to learn, and having your phone with you all day is a distraction.”

Parents have also welcomed the shift. Stuart Paton, whose daughter Rose is in S6, said: “As parents, we all struggle with managing phone use at home. Morrison’s approach really helps reinforce the message that there need to be limits. It isn’t a technophobic stance - phones aren’t taken away - but a reminder that there is an appropriate time for them. In fact, the school makes extensive use of IT and digital technology across teaching and learning, ensuring pupils develop strong digital skills and a good understanding around healthy boundaries when it comes to using personal devices.”

Mr McGarva emphasised that the school remains committed to equipping pupils with the digital skills needed for life beyond school, while ensuring their wellbeing remains at the centre. “We recognise the enormous benefits of technology, but boundaries matter. What we’ve seen this year is a healthier digital culture, one that supports learning, wellbeing and meaningful human connection. It has been an overwhelmingly positive step forward for our community.”

For more information on Morrison’s Academy visit www.morrisonsacademy.org