Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has called on all schools in England to adopt a strict phone-free policy during the entire school day. In a letter to schools seen by the BBC, Phillipson stated that mobile phones should not be used for any purpose, including as calculators or for research, during lessons, breaks, or lunchtime. Teachers are also advised not to use phones in front of pupils.
The move comes amid concerns that previous guidance from the Conservative government in February 2024 lacked clarity and consistency. Phillipson emphasized that the new guidance strengthens rules to make it explicit that pupils should not use phones at school. Ofsted will now consider the implementation of these policies during inspections, though some teaching unions have criticized this as heavy-handed.
Shadow policing minister Matt Vickers supported the approach, saying it empowers headteachers to make classrooms places of learning, while Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott argued that the letter represents guidance rather than meaningful action.
The announcement follows a government consultation on banning social media for under-16s, launched earlier this month, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch pledging a full ban if her party returns to power. Teaching unions have welcomed the consultation but expressed concern over Ofsted policing schools’ mobile phone policies.
Headteacher Tony McCabe of St Joseph’s High School in Greater Manchester praised the guidance, highlighting the damaging effect excessive screen time can have on students. Esther Ghey, mother of a girl killed by teenagers influenced by violent online content, welcomed the step but called for a stronger legal framework to prevent inconsistent enforcement across schools.
Recent surveys suggest that phone use among teachers is widespread, with 86% of primary and 44% of secondary teachers reporting the ability to use their devices during breaks. Only 2% of teachers across both sectors said their schools banned phones entirely for staff during the school day.
While the guidance currently applies only to England, devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have issued their own recommendations, ranging from allowing schools to set individual rules to encouraging delayed smartphone use until age 14.
Phillipson’s guidance is part of a broader effort to limit digital distractions in schools and prepare young people to use technology responsibly, balancing the risks of excessive screen time with the need for digital literacy.
source : BBC News
