Scottish Government issues updated guidance on mobile phones in schools

Date: 10th July 2026
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The guidance, published last week, encourages schools to operate phone–free classrooms.

It follows a Scottish Government announcement last month that it will bring forward a consultation in its first 100 days on putting a ban into law. This consultation is expected to open “early in the new academic term”, according to Scottish Government.

The new guidance encourages schools to restrict the use of mobile phones by following updated national guidance and sets out how schools should work with the whole community to develop phone-free learning policies informed by children, young people, parents, carers and school staff.

It also suggests possible exemptions for pupils with caring responsibilities, medical conditions or additional support needs that require them to use their phones. 

Education secretary Màiri McAllan said schools should introduce restrictions during teaching and learning time “as a minimum”, while also considering implementing whole-school restrictions.

• Read the press release.

• Read the guidance in full.