The UK government has announced a significant change in school policy by pushing for a statutory ban on mobile phones in all schools across England. This move replaces the previous non-binding guidance with a legally enforceable rule, as part of amendments to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill.
The amendment will be introduced in the House of Lords following delays caused by opposition from peers. Education Minister Jacqui Smith emphasized the government’s commitment to this policy, stating that while current guidance has provided schools flexibility, making the ban statutory will clarify responsibilities and support headteachers in enforcing the rule.
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, highlighted that most schools already restrict mobile phone use. However, he urged the government to also allocate funding for secure storage solutions like lockers or locked pouches to support safe implementation.
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The government spokesperson condemned opposition attempts by Conservatives and Liberal Democrats to block child protection measures within the bill, citing previous failures in child safeguarding as motivation for urgent reform. They criticized the unelected peers for hindering important provisions aimed at protecting vulnerable children and easing financial burdens for families, such as free breakfast clubs and uniform cost limits.
A spokesperson from the Department for Education confirmed that most schools already restrict phone use and that making the guidance statutory gives legal weight to existing practices.
The Liberal Democrats welcomed the ban, highlighting their role in pressuring the government to adopt the policy and calling for adequate funding to ensure schools can effectively manage the transition to smartphone-free classrooms.
Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, supported the statutory guidance, noting that it will provide much-needed clarity and consistency in how schools implement smartphone policies.