Sligo : From September, all schools in Sligo and across Ireland will face new rules on the use of mobile phones, following a directive issued by the Department of Education earlier this summer.
Under the new circular published in June, all recognised primary and post-primary schools must implement policies to either ban or restrict the use of personal mobile phones during the school day.
- Primary Schools: Required to ban mobile phone use and access during school hours.
- Post-Primary Schools: Required to restrict mobile phone use with the support of government funding for storage solutions.
Funding Support for Schools
The new rules are being supported by a €9 million allocation in Budget 2025 to help post-primary schools implement effective phone storage systems.
Examples of acceptable storage solutions include:
- Lockable storage units
- Collection of phones at the school office
Importantly, schools are not obliged to apply for this funding, but it is available to support those that require it.
Political Reaction
Councillor Thomas Walsh welcomed the move, highlighting confirmation from Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee, that the new academic year will see schools transition into phone-free zones.
“As announced in Budget 2025, schools can use this funding to purchase whatever phone storage solution they prefer. Some examples already in use include lockable storage and collection points in school offices. This scheme is flexible, but schools must follow procurement guidelines,” said Cllr Walsh.
A detailed circular outlining the terms, criteria, and application process has been shared with schools and is also available online. It confirms that funding can only be used for secure mobile phone storage solutions.
