The Scottish government is exploring a proposal to reduce the volume, or even eliminate, the school bell as a measure to combat truancy and reduce student anxiety. The idea was discussed during a Scottish Parliament inquiry into pupil attendance.
Education committee convener Karen Adam noted a positive atmosphere at a school she visited that did not use a bell. She observed that students took personal responsibility for timekeeping, leading to a smoother transition between classes. Adam suggested this change is simple, cost-effective, and requires minimal training.
Helen Waggott, president of the Scottish Guidance Association, agreed that school bells can contribute to a noisy and chaotic environment. She stated that teachers are actively seeking ways to balance high-quality learning with active teaching practices while ensuring inclusive education.
A report published in March recommended that schools consider adjusting aspects of the physical environment, such as bell volume, lighting, noise levels, and access to open spaces, to reduce anxiety and make students feel more comfortable.
However, Scottish Conservative education spokesman Meghan Gallacher criticized the proposal as a "daft gimmick," advocating instead for restored discipline and greater authority for headteachers to address persistent truancy and misbehavior. The Scottish Conservatives propose empowering teachers and implementing real consequences for rule-breaking.
A Scottish Government spokesperson commented that the guidance aims to support local authorities and schools in developing policies collaboratively with pupils and families. The spokesperson acknowledged the complex and varied underlying drivers of poor attendance and mentioned the government is running a national attendance campaign to support parents and carers. They also noted improvements in attendance over the past two years.
The Scottish Secondary Teachers' Association has previously called for a ban on school bells, citing concerns about potential hearing damage and the startling effect of loud bells. The association also urged schools to be more mindful of the rising mental health challenges faced by young people.