Should mobile phones be banned in primary schools?
A Scottish Conservative MSP says it's time to look again at the rules on phones in classrooms.
A Scottish Tory MSP is calling for a ban on pupils having mobile phones in primary schools.
South Scotland MSP Michelle Ballantyne is also arguing that it is time to overhaul the guidance to headteachers on the use of mobile devices in schools, which was last given out in 2013.
She wants a ban on phones in primaries and the introduction of restrictions on their use in secondary schools if headteachers deem it necessary.
Ms Ballantyne highlighted research by academics at the London School of Economics into the impact of banning mobile phones in schools.
The authors concluded schools that restrict access to mobile phones "subsequently experience an improvement in test scores''.
They also found banning mobiles "improves outcomes for the low-achieving students the most'', and the move could therefore be a low-cost way for schools to reduce educational inequality''.
Previous guidance from Scottish ministers concluded it was "unreasonable and impractical to attempt to impose a ban on mobile devices in schools''.
Ms Ballantyne, Scottish Conservative early years spokeswoman, said: "The evidence suggests that excessive smartphone use in schools can reduce educational attainment, particularly among low-achievers.
"At the same time, we know that online bullying is a growing problem in school.
"Many primary school teachers would like to see a ban on smartphones, something I support.
"And in secondary, headteachers who want to restrict the use of smartphones if they think it is necessary should be supported to do so.
"Given the explosion of smartphone use over the last few years, the Scottish Government should be looking again at its four-year-old guidance.
"This may be a cost-free way to help boost standards in classrooms all over Scotland, giving teachers the support they need to deliver the high-quality education we all want for pupils.''
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Headteachers can already ban phones in school if they wish to, however phones are now being used effectively in classrooms to aid learning.
"We encourage local authorities and schools to think carefully about how to incorporate smart and mobile phones into learning and teaching."