Smartphones could soon be banned by law in schools across England under new government plans aimed at improving behaviour and academic performance in classrooms.
Education minister Jacqui Smith confirmed that ministers will introduce an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to create a clear legal requirement for schools to restrict phone use.
The Department for Education said the move is designed to give legal backing to policies already enforced by most schools, where mobile phones are widely prohibited during the school day.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson had earlier encouraged schools to adopt full-day phone bans, arguing that reducing distractions can help improve focus and learning outcomes.
The proposal has received support from opposition figures, including Laura Trott, who said the measure would benefit teachers, parents and pupils by strengthening classroom discipline.
However, some education leaders argue the legal change may have limited practical impact. Pepe Di’Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders said most schools already enforce strict phone policies, and called instead for additional funding to help schools manage secure phone storage.
He also raised concerns about the wider impact of social media and smartphone use outside school hours, suggesting stronger regulation may be needed beyond the classroom.
Under the new plans, school policies on mobile phone use will be monitored through inspections by Ofsted, adding another layer of accountability.
The legislation forms part of a broader effort by the government to strengthen child safeguarding measures and improve standards in education.
Approaches to mobile phone use in schools differ across the UK. Scotland has already issued guidance allowing schools to introduce bans, while in Wales and Northern Ireland decisions are largely left to individual schools or pilot schemes.
If passed, the new law would place England among the countries taking stricter action on smartphone use in education, as concerns grow over distraction, online safety and student wellbeing.