The move follows a meeting of the Local Negotiating Committee for Teachers (LNCT) on Tuesday January 30 2007, at which it was agreed that Education Services would offer advice to schools on formulating a policy.

The letter, from Depute Director of Education Services George Gardner, has gone to the head teachers of all secondary, primary and Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools.

In it, Mr Gardner says: “You will be aware of growing concerns over reports of misuse of mobile phones with camera and video capabilities by pupils in schools.  Images of teachers and other pupils are able to be sent to other mobile phones or e-mail addresses and can be posted on the Internet.”

He adds that although a number of schools may already have a policy on the misuse of such phones in place, all schools should now formulate one.

“It would not be appropriate for the Council to introduce an outright ban on mobile phones, since many young people and parents regard these as essential means of communication,” the letter states.

“However, while mobile phones can continue to be brought into schools, there must be strict limitations on their use.  All phones should be turned off during the school day and put away during lessons.  It would be a misuse of a mobile phone to record staff or other pupils without permission.”

Mr Gardner stressed that the policy should be explicit about the confiscation of mobile phones if it is breached.

“Good policy would be for a confiscated phone to be held by the school office and its return arranged by the Head Teacher or other senior member of staff,” he added.

He recommends that all interested parties be consulted in the formulation of any policy, with a clear explanation of reasons for its introduction.  Interested parties include staff, pupils (for example, through Pupils’ Councils) and parents (for example, through School Boards or other parent groups).

Once the policy is agreed, schools should ensure that all parents are informed of its terms.