Starting June 29, all schools in England are legally required to prohibit smartphones during the school day. This move, part of the Labour Party government’s online safety initiative, formalizes what many schools have already been practicing.
Labour Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has reinforced this stance, urging headteachers to adopt policies making schools “smartphone-free environments by default.” The new rule places legal responsibility on individual schools and trusts to enforce the ban.
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has welcomed the policy but called for increased funding. Additional resources will help schools implement effective storage solutions like lockers or secure pouches, moving beyond mere out-of-sight rules.
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Staff authorized by headteachers now hold statutory authority to enforce the ban, ensuring compliance is not optional. This legal mandate was confirmed in the House of Lords by Jacqui Smith, who announced an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that establishes the ban’s clear legal foundation.
The Department for Education emphasized that the legislation simply formalizes current school practices. Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott praised the amendment, highlighting its potential to improve classroom behavior and academic achievement.
Furthermore, Ofsted’s updated guidance fully supports headteachers in banning mobile phones, encouraging schools to confidently implement the policy for the benefit of their pupils and communities.