The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on plans to introduce a national ban on mobile phone use in schools, with ministers considering whether it should apply throughout the entire school day or only during lessons. The move marks a significant escalation from previous 2024 guidance that merely encouraged headteachers to restrict phone use, with the SNP now proposing mandatory legal restrictions to address concerns over pupils' education, sleep, wellbeing and safety, including bullying, harassment and radicalisation.

Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said the government was treating the issue as a public health matter, and separate updated guidance warns that misusing phones to take unauthorised photos, videos or recordings could constitute a criminal offence reportable to police. The consultation, open to pupils, parents, teachers and education authorities, will also weigh possible exemptions for pupils with medical conditions, caring responsibilities or additional support needs. National data shows 62% of eight to 11-year-olds and 96% of 12 to 15-year-olds own a mobile phone, while research suggests nearly one in three 15-year-olds report frequent distraction from digital devices during maths lessons.