Whether it will consider introducing legislation restricting mobile phone use in schools.

The Scottish Government cannot unilaterally ban mobile phones in schools. The statutory responsibility for the delivery of Education in Scotland rests with Local Authorities, under the Education (Scotland) Act 1980.In August 2024 we published updated guidance on use of mobile phones in schools, which was developed in consultation with the Scottish Advisory Group on Relationships and Behaviour in Schools. The guidance makes clear that headteachers can take the steps that they consider appropriate to respond to the disruption caused by mobile phones, including banning their use in schools. A number of schools and Local Authorities have now enacted such approaches as a result and they will continue to have the full support of the Scottish Government in so doing.