East Lothian Council classrooms to become mobile-phone free
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East Lothian Council classrooms to become mobile phone-free following council vote
East Lothian Council classrooms will be mobile phone-free following a council vote on Tuesday (25 August). The new guidance will see mobile phones banned for children in primaries 1 to 3 and lockable storage boxes for those in primary 4 to 7 classrooms and secure storage in all secondary classrooms will keep phones safe and out of sight during lesson times.
It is understood that the guidance will come into effect from October.
The guidance follows consultation with parents and carers, pupils and staff, and taking account of the Scottish Government’s vision for ‘respectful and responsible use of mobile technology’.
East Lothian Council’s Cabinet member for Education and Children’s and Family Services Councillor Fiona Dugdale said: “The guidance approved today offers a practical and consistent approach across all our schools, based on extensive consultation and a local pilot scheme. It prioritises learning and digital responsibility, helping pupils to disconnect from their phone and reclaim their focus.
“Importantly, there is still local flexibility for schools to respond to individual pupils’ needs, for example for medical reasons, and a clear process on how this should be managed.
“Our investment in 1-to-1 devices has meant we can create phone-free environments that remain connected for learning. By rolling out individual chromebooks at secondary schools and increasing stocks in primary schools, pupils continue to have access to the digital tools they need to succeed. This balance allows teachers and learners to embrace the opportunities that digital learning offers without the distractions a phone brings.”
More than 6,700 consultation responses found that most primary-aged pupils' access to mobile phones was reported as being driven by “a need for secure communication during daily commutes”.
80 per cent of secondary school pupils reported limited phone use in learning and three quarters agreeing they need a phone for travel, after-school activities and family contact.
Half of staff members responding to the consultation felt young people should be allowed to use phones during break and lunchtimes compared to 35 per cent who disagreed and 15 per cent who were undecided
The consultation followed a decision at East Lothian Council in October 2025 to create a mobile-phone framework for schools. Dunbar Grammar was subsequently chosen to trial a new approach as a ‘test of change’ school which saw the school introduce a ‘Disconnect to Reconnect’ approach. Classrooms are designated phone-free zones with pupils storing their phones in designated pouches during learning before collecting them at the end of lessons. Phones cannot be used in learning areas or corridors but are allowed in designated social spaces during break and lunchtime.
Following Council’s approval, arrangements similar to those at Dunbar’s will be rolled out to all remaining six secondary schools. An evaluation of Mobile Phone-free Learning Environments will be presented to the East Lothian Council’s Education and Children’s Services Committee in June 2027.
In a report to councillors, it was reported that an additional £13,125, which is not currently within schools’ budgets, would be needed to fully fund the roll out. The report notes that this sum “is likely to give rise to an additional financial pressure during this year.”