Mobile phones could be banned for the entire school day across Scotland under new proposals being considered by the SNP Government.
A national consultation has been launched to gather views from pupils, parents, teachers and education authorities on how restrictions should be introduced. One option would prevent students from using their phones anywhere on school grounds throughout the entire day, while another would limit the ban to classroom hours and allow use during breaks and lunch.
The Scottish Government is considering the legislation amid concerns about the impact of smartphones on pupils’ education, concentration and wellbeing. Authorities are also examining whether certain children should be exempted from the restrictions because they rely on their phones for medical, family or additional support needs.
Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said smartphones were now part of everyday life but warned that evidence pointed to risks including disruption to learning, sleep and wellbeing. She also highlighted more serious concerns such as bullying, harassment and radicalisation.
The proposed legislation would go further than existing guidance issued in 2024, which encouraged headteachers to consider restricting mobile phone use. Under the new plans, schools could eventually be required to follow national legal restrictions rather than making their own decisions.
The consultation is also seeking information about how pupils currently use their phones at school and what impact a ban could have. Potential benefits include improved concentration and fewer classroom disruptions, while concerns include the additional workload for teachers enforcing the rules and reduced access for pupils who need to contact their families.
Exceptions are also being considered. These could include pupils with medical conditions requiring phone-based monitoring, children with caring responsibilities who need regular contact with family members, as well as pupils with disabilities or additional support needs who depend on their devices.
The scale of smartphone use among Scottish children has added to the debate. National data shows that 62 per cent of children aged eight to 11 own a mobile phone, with the figure rising to 96 per cent among those aged 12 to 15.
Previous research has also found that almost one in three 15-year-olds in Scotland reported being distracted by digital devices during most or every mathematics lesson. Around a quarter said they were distracted by other pupils using devices.
Updated guidance has separately warned schools about the misuse of mobile phones to record people without permission. Taking photographs, videos or audio recordings of someone without their consent could potentially breach their rights and, in certain circumstances, may constitute an offence.
Schools have also been advised to refer potentially criminal incidents recorded using mobile technology to police. Where unauthorised images or recordings are uploaded to social media, pupils can be asked to remove the content, with further advice from Police Scotland recommended if they refuse.
The consultation will ultimately help shape the legislation, with the Scottish Government seeking to establish a consistent approach to mobile phone use across schools while considering the different needs of pupils.
