Meeting of the Parliament 25 March 2026 [Draft]
Who, on the Conservative benches, says that we cannot occasionally agree with Willie Rennie? I agree with him about the use of old technology—books. It would be a great idea to have books in our classrooms and homes again. I hope that it catches on, and I hope that this new-old technology thing takes off in a big way. I love books.
I agree with Brian Whittle about banning things. I am incredibly reluctant to talk about banning anything, because I am afraid that Parliament’s reputation is that if it is not taxing things, it is banning them. Frankly, I do not think that that enhances the reputation of our Parliament. However, there are some situations in which we need to take cognisance of the realities in relation to the power of new technology—and it is a power. Brian Whittle is right when he says that we need to teach each other and the rising younger generations about the power of new technology—how to harness it and use it to our benefit. That, as ever, was a useful contribution from Brian Whittle. Inevitably, he introduced the world of sport, too.
However, this is no longer a debate about preference or guidance; it is about whether we are prepared to act in the face of clear and growing evidence that mobile phones are damaging the learning environment in our schools. In Scotland, we have chosen to rely on local discretion. That may sound sensible, and I understand the attraction of that course of action, but, in practice, it has meant inconsistency, uncertainty and not nearly enough backing for teachers on the ground.
Meanwhile, the situation in classrooms has moved on. Scottish Government research identifies mobile phones as a significant and growing source of disruption. Teachers are dealing with constant interruptions, fractured attention and time lost to managing behaviour that should not be an issue in the first place. That matters, because every moment lost to distraction is a moment taken away from learning. Standards do not slip overnight; they erode gradually, lesson by lesson, when focus is no longer protected.
Let us be clear about what we are asking schools to compete with. Phones are not neutral tools; they are devices designed to capture our attention. I do not need to tell MSPs about the captivating powers of a mobile phone, which we see at every moment in the chamber. Douglas Lumsden just put his phone down, which is a very good thing. They are designed to interrupt and keep young people—in fact, any people—engaged elsewhere. It is simply not reasonable to expect teachers to win that battle on their own.
Other countries have recognised that and have acted decisively. Across Europe and beyond, national restrictions are now commonplace. Where phones have been removed from the school day, the results are consistent: improved focus, calmer classrooms and better behaviour. We can see the same in Scotland in places where schools and councils have taken firm action.
Ministers know that there is a problem—I have heard the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills speak on the subject. They say so, but, for some strange reason, they have chosen not to act in a national direction. The question is straightforward: do we continue with the fragmented approach that leaves teachers to carry the burden, or do we provide the clarity, authority and back-up that a national position would bring? A Scotland-wide ban, with clear and sensible exemptions—because they will need to exist—would do exactly that. It would set a consistent standard and back our teachers. It would restore the classroom as a place where attention is given to learning, not to a screen for some other purpose. This is about leadership, standards and whether we are serious about giving every child the environment that they need to succeed. The case is made and the evidence is there. The time to act is now.
If this is to be my last contribution in the Scottish Parliament, I am delighted that it was on a subject that will matter so much to the future of our country.