Scottish Government seeking views on phone ban in schools

The Scottish Government is seeking views of pupils, parents and teachers as it considers restricting phones in schools.   

The public consultation into proposed legislation that looks to improve children's education and wellbeing has opened today.  

In June, education secretary Màiri McAllan confirmed to parliament that the government would launch a consultation on phone-free classrooms within the first 100 days of government.     

In the same month, the government also urged schools to act on mobile phones in classrooms before it moves to legislate to restrict usage and published updated guidance aimed at minimising phone usage in classrooms.   

The consultation will inform the development of the legislation amid concerns about the harmful effect on pupils’ education and wellbeing. Views are being sought on the extent, scope and potential impact of any restrictions, as well as any possible exemptions.  

Along with the consultation, the government has published guidance for parents to keep their children safe online and manage their screen time.  

Last September, the City of Edinburgh Council moved to ban mobile phones from classrooms in all the city's schools from the start of this school year. 

In June, the council's education committee agreed to a “bell-to-bell” ban, requiring secondary pupils to place their devices in lockable pouches at the start of the day. Primary pupils will lock their phones away in cabinets. 

McAllan said: “Smartphones are a fact of modern life, and it is important that we equip the next generation with the necessary skills, knowledge and resilience to thrive. However, the evidence of the risks that phones can pose to young people is compelling – from disruption to education, sleep and wellbeing, to more severe harms including bullying, harassment and radicalisation.  

“The Scottish Government is treating this as a public health issue. We are publishing content from today about how parents can help keep their children safe online, alongside surveys to seek views on what more can be done to support families.  

“We have already used guidance to encourage headteachers to restrict the use of phones, but we know teachers, parents, carers and pupils want a consistent approach across Scotland. That’s why national legislation is important. This consultation gives children, young people, parents and carers, school staff and education authorities the opportunity to share their views on what this legislation should look like.”