Scotland Published Updated Guidance for Phone-Free Learning Before Planned Legislation (United Kingdom, June 2026)
The Scottish Government published updated national guidance encouraging schools to restrict mobile phone use during teaching and learning time at a minimum, ahead of planned legislation.
The Scottish Government published updated national guidance encouraging schools to restrict mobile phone use during teaching and learning time at a minimum, ahead of planned legislation.
What Changed?
Updated guidance replaced the 2024 guidance and urged schools to develop phone-free policies with their communities, while considering exemptions for caring responsibilities, medical conditions or additional support needs.
Old System vs New System
Schools operated under earlier guidance and local policies, with variation in how phone restrictions were applied.
Schools are encouraged to act immediately under refreshed national guidance while the government prepares consultation on legislation to restrict phones in all Scottish schools.
Who Is Affected?
Student Impact
Students may face tighter phone restrictions during lessons and possibly across the school day, with exemptions where needed.
Parent / Family Impact
Parents should expect consultation and clearer school-level policies on phone use and exemptions.
School / Institution Impact
Schools must review policies, consult the school community and decide whether to implement teaching-time or whole-school restrictions.
Teacher / Staff Impact
Teachers may receive stronger national support for reducing phone-related classroom distraction.
Key Dates
- Updated guidance published: 2026-06-30
- legislation consultation expected early in the new academic term.
What To Do
- Schools should review the refreshed guidance
- consult pupils and families
- and update phone-use policies before the new term.
What To Watch Next
Watch for the Scottish consultation on legislation and any statutory requirements that follow.
Global Context
Scotland joins a growing number of jurisdictions moving toward formal phone-free school policies.
Source Record
Source type: Guidance
Source name: Scottish Government