Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has mandated that all schools in England implement a strict ban on mobile phones throughout the school day. This directive follows new government guidance that emphasizes the inappropriateness of phone usage during lessons, breaks, and lunchtime. According to a letter to schools reviewed by the BBC, Phillipson stated that phones should not be used even as calculators or for research purposes.
The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) will oversee the enforcement of these policies, conducting inspections to ensure compliance. Phillipson also noted that teachers are discouraged from using their phones in front of students. This guidance comes after a previous set of recommendations issued by the Conservative government in February 2024, which Phillipson criticized for lacking clarity and consistency.
In her letter, Phillipson indicated that the updated guidance aims to provide explicit instructions on mobile phone usage, stating it is “not appropriate” for pupils to have phones during school hours. This development coincides with an announcement regarding a three-month consultation on banning social media for all individuals under the age of 16 in the UK. Phillipson has urged educators to share their insights during this consultation period.
The leader of the Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has expressed support for the proposed social media ban if her party gains power. Additionally, last week’s announcement included stricter regulations from Ofsted, advising school staff against using personal devices in front of pupils.
According to recent research conducted by the survey tool Teacher Tapp, approximately 86% of primary school teachers reported being permitted to use their phones during breaks, while 44% of secondary school teachers indicated they could use their phones freely. Only 2% of surveyed teachers from both primary and secondary schools stated that their institutions enforced a complete ban on phone usage during the school day.
Teaching unions have generally welcomed the initiative to consult on social media usage but have criticized the proposal for Ofsted to monitor mobile phone policies in schools. Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, remarked that school leaders require government support rather than the threat of rigorous inspections.
The Association of School and College Leaders added that the government’s response to the online risks faced by children has been slow. While the social media consultation encompasses the entire UK, the new guidance regarding mobile phones applies solely to England, as education policies are devolved in other regions.
In Wales, the Senedd ruled last year that a blanket ban on phones in schools would not be appropriate, advocating instead for schools to formulate and implement their own policies. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland, Education Minister Paul Givan has previously advised schools to limit mobile phone usage among students and has supported a campaign encouraging parents to delay purchasing smartphones for their children until they are at least 14 years old. In Scotland, schools have received guidance allowing them to create their own rules, such as requiring students to hand in their phones before classes or prohibiting their use during school trips.
As schools prepare to adapt to this new guidance, the situation reflects a growing concern over the impact of mobile phone usage on student behavior and academic performance.
