The UK government is set to make mobile phone bans statutory across schools in England, turning existing guidance into a legal requirement as part of efforts to protect children’s wellbeing and improve focus in the classroom.
In a surprise move announced on Monday (20 April) in the House of Lords, Education minister Baroness Jacqui Smith confirmed that the government will table an amendment to the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
The change would create a “clear legal requirement” for schools to prohibit smartphones and similar devices throughout the entire school day, including lessons, transitions between classes, break times, and lunch.
The Department for Education (DfE) described the amendment as giving “legal force to what schools are already doing in practice.”
Current non-statutory guidance, strengthened in early 2026, already states that all schools should be “mobile phone-free environments by default,” with exceptions only in rare cases. Headteachers have had the flexibility to set their own policies until now, but many have already implemented strict bans.
Why are smartphones being banned?
The push for a statutory ban reflects growing concerns about the impact of smartphones on young people’s mental health, attention spans, bullying, and academic performance.
Teachers and unions have long warned that devices lead to distractions, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content. Research cited in parliamentary debates and government reviews has linked excessive screen time to higher rates of depressive symptoms, poorer diets, and reduced educational outcomes.
A major survey shows that while over 90% of secondary schools and nearly all primary schools in England already have some form of phone restriction, enforcement varies. The new law aims to create consistency nationwide, removing the option for headteachers to opt out.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has previously written to schools warning that phones “have no place” in the classroom – not even as calculators or for quick research. Ofsted inspectors are already being tasked with checking compliance during routine visits.
What would the ban look like?
Under the proposed rules:
- Pupils would not have access to their phones (or devices with similar smart functionality, such as messaging or recording capabilities) at any point during the school day.
- Schools would need to align their behaviour policies with the ban.
- Limited exemptions are expected for medical needs, certain sixth-form students, and specific boarding situations.
The government argues this puts “children’s interests first” by fostering calmer, safer learning environments free from constant notifications and social media pressures.
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