Lockable cabinets are expected to be procured for all primary schools, and secure pouches will be introduced in schools where stakeholders were broadly supportive of restrictions.
The council undertook a major public engagement campaign, and almost 14,000 parents, teachers, and pupils were consulted on the plans, with most parents and teachers supportive of full-day restrictions.
Almost none of the pupils, however, were supportive of similar restrictions, but the regulations are expected to pass anyway. An initial budget allocation of £400,000 has been outlined.
The decision will be taken at Edinburgh’s City Chambers on 9 June © 2026 Martin McAdam
The consultation also included discussions with those affected by pilot restrictions in Portobello and South Queensferry High Schools, where feedback was broadly positive.
The council’s education chiefs expect the restrictions to reduce device access and increase pupils’ engagement with schoolwork.
Council officers in Moray, where restrictions have also been introduced, told Edinburgh that they had found young people more willing to talk to each other after the introduction of restrictions.
The council previously said that December this year was the earliest possible date for a full rollout of phone pouches and a comprehensive ban in Edinburgh secondary schools.
Although the measures outlined do not constitute a comprehensive ban, the council appears to have accelerated its plans after “overwhelming” support emerged.
Education, Children, and Families Convener James Dalgleish said: “We are being bold in our ambition when it comes to making our classrooms phone-free, and we want to be one of the first local authorities to introduce widespread restrictions.
“It is important that we do this in the right way and a big part of this is making sure that we have heard and take on board feedback from our communities.”
Pupils are expected to be allowed limited access to their devices during lunchtimes and breaks, but not during learning time.
However, schools which have already introduced more comprehensive restrictions will not be expected to change their approach.
In their report, set to be debated by the Education, Children, and Families Committee on Thursday 9 June, council officers added:
“Views on how to implement restrictions in secondary schools are more varied, ranging from ‘switched off and out of sight’ to having phones locked in pouches.
“Feedback confirms that most pupils (40%) think they should be trusted to follow school rules. This view is not generally shared by staff.
“There are also differences across pupil age ranges, with senior pupils feeling they should be trusted as they move towards further education, training and work.”
This article is provided by the news agency Deadline News Limited and published here with permission.
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