Education Secretary Demands Full-Day Phone Ban in English Schools
Schools across England have been instructed to implement a comprehensive, all-day ban on mobile phone usage by pupils, according to a directive from Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. The updated guidance, which was issued to headteachers last week, explicitly states that students should not have access to their devices during lessons, break times, lunchtimes, or between classes.
Strict Enforcement and Inspection Regime
Phillipson emphasised that schools must ensure these policies are applied consistently across all classes and at all times throughout the school day. In her communication to educational institutions, she stressed the importance of parental support for these measures. The education secretary confirmed that Ofsted, the schools watchdog, will inspect how schools implement the phone-free policy as part of their regular assessments.
According to data from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the vast majority of schools already have mobile phone policies in place, with 99.9% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools reporting established guidelines. However, compliance remains a significant challenge, particularly in secondary education where 58% of pupils report phones being used without permission in some lessons. This figure rises to 65% among key stage four students.
Teacher Conduct and Wider Digital Concerns
The guidance extends beyond student usage to include recommendations for teaching staff. Educators have been advised to refrain from using their phones in front of pupils, setting an example of digital discipline throughout the school environment. This comprehensive approach reflects growing concerns about the impact of mobile devices on educational focus and social development.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, expressed reservations about the enforcement approach, telling the BBC that school leaders "need support from government, not the threat of heavy-handed inspection." His comments highlight the tension between policy implementation and practical challenges faced by educational institutions.
Broader Context of Digital Regulation
The school phone ban initiative coincides with broader government consultations on digital safety for young people. Ministers are currently examining options for introducing an Australian-style social media ban for under-16s in the UK. Potential measures under consideration include raising the digital age of consent and restricting potentially addictive app design features such as "streaks" and "infinite scrolling."
Government representatives plan to visit Australia, where a similar ban came into force in December, to gather evidence about its implementation and effectiveness. The DSIT has indicated that the government will seek views from parents and young people before responding with final proposals in the summer.
Political Dynamics and Legislative Pressure
The issue has gained significant political momentum, with the House of Lords recently backing a Conservative-led amendment to the children's wellbeing and schools bill that proposed such a ban, despite the government not initially supporting the measure. While ministers' plans to introduce separate legislation mean this specific amendment is unlikely to survive in the Commons, its passage through the upper chamber has increased pressure on the government to act more decisively.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is understood to prefer waiting for evidence from Australia's ban before committing to specific legislative measures, creating a complex political landscape around digital regulation in education. This cautious approach contrasts with the immediate action demanded by some parliamentarians and educational stakeholders.
The comprehensive phone ban represents a significant shift in educational policy, reflecting growing consensus about the need to create distraction-free learning environments while addressing broader concerns about children's digital wellbeing and social media exposure.
