Wednesday October 21st 2026
West Lothian Council headquarters. The council is opposing an outright ban on mobile phones in schools, backing a consistent approach while allowing individual schools to set their own rules.
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Stuart Sommerville
West Lothian has maintained its robust stance against an outright ban on mobile phones in schools.
Councillors on the Education PDSP agreed with responses to the Scottish Government’s consultation on legislation.
Councillors backed consistency in schools’ approach to phone use and the right for schools to police their own rules.
It is expected Holyrood will present proposals by the end of the year.
In its response to the consultation the council said new legislation should be built on four key areas:-
– Consistency: Clear national expectations alongside local flexibility regarding implementation.
– Inclusion: Appropriate exemptions for learners whose health, wellbeing, accessibility or support needs require access to a phone
– Digital Readiness: Investment in school owned digital infrastructure and alternative devices where restrictions reduce access to personal technology.
– Digital Citizenship: Education to help children and young people develop responsible, safe and healthy relationships with technology.
The council’s response also said: “West Lothian Council believes any new law should clearly explain the difference between a ban and a restriction on mobile phones. These words are often used as if they mean the same thing, but they do not.
“A ban would mean pupils cannot use their phones at all during the school day. A restriction would mean phones could still be used in certain situations, such as for health needs, well-being support, or when a member of staff allows it. Being clear about the difference would help schools, pupils, parents, carers and staff understand what is expected and make sure the rules are applied consistently.”
A hefty report- more than 160 pages- was presented to the Education PDSP by education officers in June. It was the result of research conducted among parents, carers and pupils as well as with other local authorities.
Laura Harkins, the council’s Digital Learning Manager told councillors at the June meeting of the Education Executive: “Across West Lothian, schools currently manage mobile phone use through Responsible Use Agreements, teacher directed use for learning where appropriate, expectations that phones remain out of sight during learning time, restorative responses to misuse aligned with Positive Relationships guidance, and clearly defined exemptions for medical, accessibility and additional support needs.”
The consultation response document will have to be approved by the Education Executive next month ahead of its return to the Scottish Government .
Indicative national legislation on mobile phone use in schools is expected from Holyrood in December.
The Education Institute of Scotland, the largest teachers’ union, has pressed for a ban on phones in schools , both nationally and locally.
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