From August, pupils across Edinburgh will be required to stow their mobile phones for the entire school day under a new city-wide policy, making the capital one of the first Scottish authorities to roll out broad device restrictions. City leaders say the change is designed to cut classroom distractions and support learning after promising trial runs.
Councillors have approved a bell-to-bell ban, which prohibits phone use from the first to the last bell of the school day. The measure applies to all mainstream schools and takes effect after the summer holidays.
Under the new rules, secondary pupils will place devices in lockable pouches provided by schools; primary children who bring phones will have them put into secure cabinets for the day. There is limited flexibility for older students: senior leadership teams can decide whether pupils in S5 and S6 may access phones during breaks, lunchtimes or independent study periods.
What the policy covers
- Start date: After the summer holidays (from August).
- Scope: All Edinburgh mainstream schools; a city-wide approach rather than school-by-school opt-ins.
- Storage: Secondary – lockable pouches; Primary – secure storage cabinets.
- Senior pupil discretion: Heads may permit S5/S6 limited access during non-class time.
- Exemptions: Available for pupils with health needs or caring responsibilities.
- Funding: A one-off allocation of £400,000 to buy pouches and cabinets.
- Evidence base: Pilots at Portobello and Queensferry high schools with positive staff and pupil feedback.
A consultation held earlier this year drew nearly 14,000 responses from parents, pupils and school staff. The council says the feedback showed overwhelming support: the large majority of secondary school staff and most parents backed restrictions, while more than half of young respondents endorsed limits on phone use during lessons.
Before confirming the policy, officials met with head teachers, pupil representatives, trade unions, the Scottish Youth Parliament and community youth groups to shape the approach and guidance for schools.
The council has pledged guidance for how exemptions will operate so that pupils who need access to phones for medical reasons or caregiving can be accommodated. Schools will be issued practical instructions on managing the new arrangements and handling exceptional cases.
Councillor James Dalgleish, who chairs the city’s education committee, described the change as a significant shift in classroom practice. He said the aim is to create environments where “learning comes first” and where teachers can focus on teaching without the interruption of personal devices.
City officials point to the pilot programmes as evidence the system can be implemented without disrupting school routines; staff involved in the trials reported constructive results. Still, the rollout will require logistical work — purchasing equipment, training staff and arranging storage — which the approved funding is intended to cover.
How the policy performs in its first term will be closely watched by other local authorities considering similar measures. Edinburgh’s council says it will monitor outcomes and consult with schools as the rules take effect.
Hi, I’m Benjamin, a member of the Sherburne County Citizen team. With a passion for writing and a deep interest in current affairs, I thoroughly enjoy bringing you the latest news and trends that affect our daily lives.
