Mobile phones: guidance for Scotland's schools - updated 2026
Updated guidance on the use of mobile phones in Scotland's schools. Replaces guidance published in August 2024.
About this guidance
1. This non-statutory guidance aims to provide education authorities and public schools with information on developing and updating local policies to restrict the personal use of mobile phones, in advance of a change of law. The guidance may also be of interest to independent and grant-aided schools. Policies should reflect the need to support pupils’ learning and limit distraction and disruption, whilst protecting staff and pupils from bullying, harassment and abuse.
2. This guidance forms part of the Scottish Government’s public health approach to protecting children and young people from online harm. It emphasises schools’ and education authorities’ responsibilities for the health, wellbeing and safety of their staff and pupils. The guidance therefore sits within the wider context of relationships and behaviour policy in Scottish schools, and the promotion of positive relationships and behaviour and anti-bullying.
3. The guidance contains information on relevant legal considerations. Education authorities will wish to seek their own legal advice where appropriate.