Borders mum urges rethink on school iPads amid social media ban plan
Last updated 16th Jun 2026
It’s claimed parents concerned about their child’s use of iPads in schools are being told it’s not possible to opt out – because the devices are now embedded in everyday learning.
Local mum Catherine Oram is a member of campaign group Unplug Scot, which believes the UK Government's planned ban on under-16s use of social media should also spark a rethink over pupils' use of technology in the classroom:
She said: "YouTube is being used regularly to deliver lessons in class, meaning that children are exposed to advertising and commercial content as part of their learning environment.
"Many of the (teaching) apps use the same engagement techniques as gaming and social media – for example rewards, streaks and feedback loops – yet children are required to use these throughout the school day."
And she added: "It is up to parents, educators and health professionals to push back when these devices and platforms are known to be addictive and are having a negative impact on learning and wellbeing."
Her comments come as Sir Keir Starmer unveils plans to ban under-16s from social media platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube by spring 2027.
Backing the Government's move is North Northumberland Labour MP David Smith, who says he's spent the past 18 months pushing for stronger action on online safety.
"The message from North Northumberland has been clear: we need to prioritise children's safety," he said. "This is about putting responsibility where it belongs – on tech companies – and giving our children a healthier, happier and safer childhood."
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Scottish Borders Council has defended its use of iPads and other digital technology in classrooms following concerns raised by some parents.
In a statement, the local authority said teachers carefully control how online content is used to support learning and that pupils do not have unrestricted access to websites such as YouTube.
A council spokesperson said: "Where YouTube is occasionally used in classrooms, teachers curate and select specific content in the same way they use television programmes and educational videos. YouTube is not available on all school devices, and where access is permitted, it is controlled through age-appropriate filtering and safeguarding measures.
"Pupils do not have unrestricted access, with teachers determining when and how video content is used to support learning. Digital resources used in schools are selected by teachers to support and enhance learning experiences in the classroom. Their use is based on the professional judgement of teachers, who decide when and how technology adds value alongside the wide range of other teaching approaches and resources available."
Scottish Borders Council insists it does not subscribe to applications that use engagement techniques designed to mirror social media or encourage excessive use.
It adds: ""Scottish Borders Council has a statutory duty to deliver the Curriculum for Excellence. Decisions about the teaching approaches, methodologies and resources used to deliver that curriculum are matters for schools and qualified teachers exercising their professional judgement.
"While parents/carers have the legal right to withdraw their child from religious observance and elements of Relationship Sexual Health programme, there is no equivalent right to opt out of particular teaching resources or classroom methodologies, including the appropriate use of technology where it forms part of planned learning.
"The council will continue to review our approaches based on policy and legislation."
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