Strong Support for Mobile Phone Restrictions in Edinburgh Schools
Parents and staff in Edinburgh have shown overwhelming support for restricting mobile phone use among pupils in secondary schools. A recent consultation on device usage during school hours received nearly 14,000 responses following a trial conducted at two city secondary schools last year.
Approximately 97% of secondary school staff and 94% of parents expressed favour for limiting students' access to mobile phones, either by securing them in lockable pouches or confiscating them until the end of classes.
The City of Edinburgh Council stated that the survey results will inform decisions regarding the local authority's mobile phone policy, expected later this year.
Government Guidance and Background
The Scottish government introduced guidance permitting headteachers to implement phone bans in schools starting in 2024. This followed a 2022 study revealing that about one-third of pupils in Scottish classrooms reported being distracted by mobile devices.
Pilot Scheme and Consultation Details
In May of the previous year, a pilot scheme was launched at Portobello and Queensferry High Schools, where students sealed their phones in "Yondr" pouches. These pouches could only be opened at the end of the school day for most pupils.
The consultation, which lasted six weeks, gathered opinions from students, parents, and teachers across Edinburgh regarding the scheme.
Among secondary school pupils surveyed, approximately 53% supported restrictions but preferred access to phones during breaks and lunchtimes. Only 3% of pupils supported a full-day ban, in contrast to 57% of staff and 54% of parents who favoured such a ban.
Additionally, 40% of staff and 40% of teachers indicated support for partial restrictions, allowing device use at designated times.
Under the pilot, pupils in first to fifth year were prohibited from using phones throughout the school day, while sixth year students could unlock their devices in the senior common room.
The magnetic pouches used in the pilot are similar to those employed by musicians such as Bob Dylan, Childish Gambino, and Jack White, who have banned phones at their concerts.
Council Decisions and Wider Context
In September 2025, Edinburgh councillors agreed to restrict mobile phone use in schools. The preferred approach involves using lockable pouches to enforce restrictions across all secondary schools, with lockable cabinets proposed for primary schools.
A total of 13,930 individuals responded to the consultation.
Other Scottish councils have also taken measures to regulate phone use in classrooms. For example, Inverness Royal Academy in the Highlands blocks phone signals inside the building, with password-protected Wi-Fi accessible only to staff. Pupils retain access to mobile signals within the school grounds.
Implementation Costs and Special Considerations
The Edinburgh Council estimated that implementing the phone ban could cost up to £495,000 annually.
The local authority has committed to providing special consideration for pupils with health needs or caring responsibilities who require access to their mobile phones during school hours.
Next Steps
A report analysing the consultation findings is scheduled to be presented to the Education, Children and Families Committee in June.
