The UK government is preparing to strengthen restrictions on mobile phone use in schools, with plans to introduce a legal requirement banning phones for pupils under 16 during the school day.
The move comes as part of the broader Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which ministers say is aimed at reinforcing child safeguarding measures across the education system.
Mobile Phone Ban to Become Law in Schools
The government confirmed it will table an amendment in the House of Lords to make existing guidance on mobile phone restrictions legally binding in England’s schools.
Education minister Jacqui Smith said the decision reflects “a pragmatic measure” designed to ensure the bill progresses through Parliament while addressing concerns around children’s safety.
The change would effectively turn current non-statutory guidance into a formal legal requirement for schools.
Government Shift After Resistance
Until now, ministers had argued that most schools already enforce mobile phone bans and that additional legislation was unnecessary.
However, following pressure from lawmakers, the government has agreed to strengthen the policy to help secure passage of the wider bill.
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson has previously urged schools in England to maintain phone-free environments throughout the school day.
Schools Already Largely Compliant
According to research from the Children’s Commissioner for England, the vast majority of schools already enforce restrictions on mobile phone use.
The findings show that nearly all primary schools and around 90% of secondary schools already have some form of phone limitation in place.
Wider Child Protection Reforms
The legislation also includes broader reforms aimed at strengthening child welfare systems, including improved tracking of children not in school and tighter regulation of children’s social care services.
Officials say the bill represents one of the most significant child protection reforms in decades.
A Push for Safer Classrooms
Supporters of the policy argue that making phone bans legally enforceable will help reduce distractions, improve learning environments, and enhance safeguarding in schools.
The proposal is expected to spark further debate as it moves through the legislative process in the coming weeks.
