Scotland to ban phones in schools under proposed law

The Scottish Government will introduce legislation to create mobile phone-free learning environments in all schools, Education Secretary Màiri McAllan announced. The policy, confirmed in a statement to the Scottish Parliament, marks a shift from the previous position that headteachers were best placed to decide on phone use.

A public consultation on the proposed law will be launched within the government's first 100 days. In the interim, updated national guidance will be published by the end of June to encourage schools to implement their own restrictions ahead of the formal legal change. The legislation is expected to include limited exemptions for pupils with medical needs or caring responsibilities.

McAllan framed the move as part of a broader public health approach to online harms. She stated that mobile phones in classrooms are a distraction and can contribute to bullying, while also linking smartphone use to higher risks of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep among adolescents. The goal, she said, is to create environments more conducive to learning and teaching.

The announcement received substantial cross-party support, though some opposition members criticized the pace....