8th July 2026
The updated Scottish Government Mobile Phones in Schools Guidance, published on 30 June 2026, remains non-statutory - pending new legislation. It is expected that there will be a full consultation on a new Bill in the Scottish Parliament in the Autumn. That Bill would move toward a presumption of ‘phone-free classrooms’ according to the SNP manifesto.
The main differences in the new guidance are:
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2024 Guidance |
2026 Updated Guidance |
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Schools were encouraged to develop local mobile phone policies. |
Schools are encouraged to restrict mobile phones, with a clear expectation that every school should have a policy limiting personal use. |
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Considerable local flexibility with no preferred model. |
The guidance states that restrictions should apply at least during teaching and learning time. |
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Focused largely on reducing classroom distraction. |
Places more emphasis on ‘online harms.’ |
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No indication of legislative change. |
Announces the Scottish Government's intention to legislate to restrict mobile phone use in schools, with the guidance perhaps acting as an interim step ahead of consultation and new laws. |
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General advice on implementation. |
Includes some practical advice on developing policies, consulting pupils, parents and staff, communicating expectations, and managing exemptions. |
Connect will ensure that when the consultation is announced we will survey parents across to inform any Connect response.