New government guidance on mobile phones in schools – new era for learning?

The government has issued strengthened guidance on mobile phone use in schools. It makes it clear that all schools should be mobile‑phone‑free environments by default.  

The updated Mobile Phones in Schools guidance explains how schools should develop, implement and maintain policies that prohibit students using their mobile phones throughout the school day including between lessons and during breaktimes and lunchtimes. This should be the default position with students only able to use their phones in exceptional circumstances. 

Although the guidance is non‑statutory, the DfE has signalled that a forthcoming consultation will explore whether leaders should have a legal obligation to consider the guidance when setting policy. 

Why has the guidance been strengthened?

According to the DfE, prohibiting mobile phones supports calm, safe and positive learning environments. A robust mobile phone policy forms part of a school’s wider behaviour policy, which must align with its legal duties relating to pupil welfare. The guidance sits alongside Behaviour in Schools and Keeping Children Safe in Education, reinforcing its relevance to wellbeing and safeguarding. 

The education secretary Bridget Phillipson has urged headteachers to implement a ban, noting that previous guidance “did not deliver the clarity or consistency that schools need”, nor did it sufficiently support communication with parents about the national position. She emphasised that rules must be clearly understood and consistently applied across all classes and times of day. 

Current practice in schools

Research conducted by Children’s Commissioner shows most schools already restrict their pupils from using mobile phones (90% of secondary schools and 99.8% of primary schools). However, many secondary schools still allow students to keep their phones on them provided they are kept out of sight. The government believes this new guidance will remove any ambiguity and and encourage more schools to adopt a completely phone-free environment. 

Additional help is available 

The guidance is accompanied by resources that help schools:

• Develop effective mobile phone policies
• Communicate expectations to parents; and
• Draw on case studies where schools have successfully implemented phone‑free rules.

Schools needing additional help will be able to access support through the government’s attendance and behaviour hubs, ensuring that schools with varied contexts can maintain compliance and consistency. 

Ofsted will check your policy and whether it is followed

A key change announced alongside the guidance is that, from April this year, Ofsted will examine each school’s mobile phone policy and its effectiveness during inspections. Inspectors will evaluate whether:

• Leaders have established and communicated a clear policy
• Staff and pupils understand it
• The policy is consistently applied across the school day; and
• Its impact on learning, behaviour and wellbeing is evident

If a school operates a complete ban, inspectors will expect the environment to reflect this when they visit. 

You will need some flex in your policy for special circumstances 

The guidance recognises that some pupils may need access to their phones due to their specific needs or circumstances. Schools are expected to adapt policies thoughtfully and safely where required, ensuring that exceptions remain aligned with safeguarding responsibilities.

For schools with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) arrangements, the DfE explicitly states that mobile phones must not be included within BYOD schemes, even if other devices such as tablets or laptops are permitted for learning. 

What this means for school leaders?

School leaders should:

• Review existing policies to ensure alignment with the strengthened national expectation (you can include your mobile phone policy within your behaviour policy or have a standalone document).
• Communicate clearly with parents, staff and pupils about the new rules and how you will enforce them (including whether you will search bags etc and confiscate devices).
• Make sure the policy is enforced consistently throughout the day.
• Provide appropriate exceptions only where necessary and justified; and
• Make staff aware that Ofsted will consider whether your policy is doing what it's supposed to during inspections (from April).

The government’s strengthened guidance is designed to promote distraction-free learning, improve behaviour and safeguard pupils.  

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