Mobile phones: guidance for Scotland's schools - updated 2026

Why action is needed

4. Mobile technology has significantly intensified in the lives of children and young people and families across Scotland. Data shows that 62% of 8-11 year olds in Scotland own their own mobile phone, rising to 96% for 12-15 year olds. Many pupils bring their own personal mobile phone into school.

5. While technology may remove barriers to learning for some pupils and mobile phones can bring a sense of security to parents and carers, they also present the risk of significant harm.

6. It is evident that personal use of mobile devices is causing disruption to pupils’ learning and that of their peers. The Behaviour in Scottish Schools Research (BISSR) 2023 indicated increased concerns over the disruption the misuse of devices caused in class. This is echoed by data from the Programme of International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022, which found that almost one in three 15 year olds in Scotland (and across Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries) reported being distracted using digital devices in most or every maths class, and around a quarter of pupils got distracted by other pupils using digital devices. This research found that pupils appeared to be less distracted when they switched off notifications from social networks and apps on their digital devices during class, when they did not have their digital device open in class to take notes or search for information, and when they did not feel pressured to be online and answer messages while in class.

7. BISSR 2023 also highlighted an increase in more serious behaviours including the abusive use of mobile phones in schools, for example, mobile phones being used to bully or harass pupils and staff. Such behaviour is unacceptable in any context. The impact of mobile phones on children and young people is not limited to distraction in the classroom or bullying during the school day. Evidence shows smartphone use leads to higher risks of depression, anxiety, poor sleep and poor health in adolescence, which have both direct and indirect impacts on their experience at school.

8. Scottish Ministers have made a clear commitment to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland by incorporating the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots law. Considering the UNCRC requirements in the context of mobile devices, any decisions relating to the use of such devices in schools should be made acting in the best interests of children and young people, and taking their views into consideration. The full wording of all of the UNCRC requirement can be found in the Schedule of UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. There is also legislation which protects the rights of school staff in relation to their employment and health and safety. The Curriculum for Excellence and Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) recognises that protecting the wellbeing of staff and pupils is essential for creating the right environment for effective learning and teaching through the Curriculum. Accordingly, it is necessary to recognise and respect all such rights, equally.