Restricting mobile phones in Scotland's schools

Links to human rights, Getting It Right For Every Child, and employment rights

Scottish Ministers have committed to respect, protect and fulfil children’s rights in Scotland through the UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024. These rights require any decisions on the use of mobile phones in schools to be made in the best interests of the child and take their views into consideration. The rights of pupils under the European Convention on Human Rights must also be respected. There are also laws which protects the rights of school staff in relation to their employment, health and safety. The Curriculum for Excellence and Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) recognise that protecting the wellbeing of staff and pupils is essential for creating the right environment for effective learning and teaching. It is necessary to recognise and respect all such rights equally. Any restrictions on mobile phone use in schools must balance these rights and policies with the need to protect children and young people from harm, and the need to facilitate and support learning and teaching.