The SNP candidate for Inverness and Nairn, Emma Roddick, has welcomed the Scottish National Party’s new policy of a nationwide ban on mobile phones in classrooms, following deeply concerning reports of voyeurism at an Inverness school.

The party has confirmed that the new measures will be implemented across Scotland to ensure that schools remain a safe, focused environment for all pupils. This move comes shortly after local media reports highlighted an incident involving the illicit use of mobile devices to record students in Inverness, sparking widespread community concern regarding privacy and digital safety.

Ms Roddick, who has previously campaigned for increased protections for young people from emerging technologies while serving as a Highlands and Islands MSP, stated that the policy is now a necessary step to protect students from the misuse of technology.

She said:

“I was incredibly concerned to read recent reports regarding voyeurism in one of our local schools here in Inverness. It is vital that every student feels safe and respected in their place of learning, and the misuse of mobile phones to infringe on privacy is completely unacceptable.

“There is a rise of technology being used to commit sexual offences, whether through covert recordings or the use of AI to manipulate images and harass people.

“The SNP is committed to ensuring our classrooms are productive and safe environments. By implementing a nationwide ban on phones during lessons, we remove a major distraction and take a firm stand against the kind of digital abuse we have seen reported too commonly lately.

“I am glad the Scottish Government is listening to the concerns of parents and teachers in the Highlands. This policy sends a clear message that the safety and wellbeing of our young people must always come first.”

Ms Roddick has committed to working with the Highland Council and local schools to ensure the transition is handled sensitively and effectively for all families involved.