Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Apr 21: The UK government has announced plans to introduce a legal requirement restricting smartphone use in schools across England, aiming to strengthen discipline and improve learning environments.
Education minister Baroness Jacqui Smith informed the House of Lords that the government will table an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, making it mandatory for schools to follow stricter rules on mobile phone usage.
The Department for Education (DfE) said the move would give legal backing to practices already adopted by most schools. Earlier this year, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson had urged schools to ensure campuses remain phone-free throughout the day.
Under the proposed amendment, existing guidance will be placed on a statutory footing, meaning schools will be required to comply. Officials clarified that this approach differs from an outright legal ban, as it formalises enforcement of current policies rather than imposing a blanket prohibition.
The proposal has drawn political reactions, with Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott welcoming the move as a “fantastic step” for improving classroom behaviour and academic performance.
Baroness Smith indicated that stricter measures could be considered, including limiting options such as allowing phones to remain switched off in bags. Some schools have already implemented systems like lockers or magnetically sealed pouches to manage devices.
The government said compliance with mobile phone policies will also be monitored during inspections by Ofsted starting this month.
The Bill had faced delays after the House of Lords previously supported a Conservative amendment calling for a full ban on smartphones in schools.
Meanwhile, education leaders have expressed mixed views. Association of School and College Leaders said the legal change may have limited practical impact, as many schools already enforce restrictions. However, it called for additional funding to support secure storage solutions such as lockers or phone pouches.
The Liberal Democrats urged the government to ensure adequate financial and logistical support for schools to implement the policy effectively.
As education policy is devolved across the UK, approaches vary. Scotland introduced guidance in 2024 allowing schools to impose bans, while Wales leaves decisions to individual institutions. In Northern Ireland, a pilot phone-free scheme in selected schools has recently concluded, with findings expected soon.
The government maintains that limiting smartphone use in schools is a key step toward safeguarding children and enhancing focus in classrooms.