Council becomes first to blanket ban mobile phones from school classrooms

A Scottish council has become the first to approve a blanket ban on mobile phones in school classrooms.

Perth and Kinross schools will ban the use of mobile phones and digital devices during lessons – unless explicitly permitted by the teacher for educational purposes – from August 2025.

Perth and Kinross Council has put together a personal mobile devices policy which will be implemented in schools from 2025 to 2028.

The policy was approved by the Learning and Families Committee this week and will be closely monitored.

What powers do schools have to tackle phone use?

Headteachers were given powers over mobile phone usage at school under Scottish Government guidance in August 2024
This includes up to full bans on the school estate during the school day
Some Scottish schools had already implemented their own mobile phone policies
In February 2024, the UK Government issued guidance allowing headteachers to ban mobile phone use throughout the school day

Councillors will be updated on its effectiveness within the first two years of its implementation, by April 2027.

In August 2024 the Scottish Government published guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools. Local authorities were given advice on developing and updating policies relating to the use of mobile devices in schools.

Following consultation with pupils, staff and parents/carers, PKC has now developed its own policy which will be in place from August 2025 to 2028.

After the summer, Perth and Kinross schools – without exception – will be asked to adhere to the following standards:

Mobile phones and other digital devices may only be used – if at all – in accordance with each school’s clearly developed policy
The use of mobile phones and digital devices is strictly prohibited during lesson time unless explicitly permitted by the teacher for educational purposes
Each school will be able to manage this in a way that suits their context but – as a minimum – devices must be turned off or set to silent mode and stored in a manner that does not disturb the learning environment or the wellbeing of others when pupils are not permitted to use them by the teacher
Mobile phones and digital devices are not allowed in examination rooms unless required for the exam and approved by the school SQA coordinator
In emergencies, the school office will be the primary means of contact between the school and home, with no need for a parent/carer to contact their child on their digital device during the school day.

Councillors have welcomed the introduction of the policy, designed to “ensure a secure and respectful digital environment for all children and young people and staff”.

Moving the policy for approval, convener John Rebbeck said: “Mobile technology is here and it’s here to stay and we should embrace the positive aspects.

“But this policy is designed to mitigate the negative effects – not least to keep teachers and support staff authoritative in their classrooms. It’ll be really interesting to see how this changes things in terms of attainment. It’s really important we don’t wait three years to report on that and consider that as we go along.”

He added: “I think it is an attempt to allow school leaders to have their own solutions whilst having a basic approach underpinning that.

“Above all, I hope it allows space for our young learners to be kinder to each other, more fun in fact. I am optimistic about this.”

It was unanimously approved by the committee.

Councillor Liz Barrett said: “I welcome the strong focus on the safety and wellbeing of our children.”

Bailie Chris Ahern added: “I hope staff and teachers take cognisance of it as well because one of the best parts of education is leading by example.”

Scottish Government education secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I am encouraged to note this move in Perth and Kinross which underlines the fact that councils and schools can take the steps they see fit to limit the use of mobile phones, including an outright ban.

“This was set out in our national guidance published last year and I have made clear that I will support any headteacher who decides to institute a ban on mobile phones.”