Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has issued new guidance calling for all schools in England to be phone-free for the entire school day. The directive, outlined in a letter to schools, states that mobile phone use is “not appropriate” for activities like calculations or research during lessons, breaks, or lunchtime.
New Guidance and Oversight
This move builds on previous guidance issued by the Conservative government in February 2024, which Phillipson deemed lacked “clarity or consistency.” The updated guidance, issued last week, explicitly prohibits phone use during school hours. To ensure compliance, Ofsted will now inspect schools on their implementation of mobile phone policies, and teachers are also being advised to refrain from using their own phones in front of students.
The announcement comes as the government prepares to launch a three-month consultation on a potential ban of social media for all under-16s in the UK, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stating her party would introduce such a ban if in power.
Mixed Reactions to the Policy
Reactions to the new guidance have been varied. Shadow policing minister Matt Vickers expressed support for “empowering headteachers” to maintain learning environments. However, shadow education secretary Laura Trott criticized the move as “yet more guidance” and a “delay” in taking decisive action.
Some educators have also voiced concerns. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, argued that school leaders “need support from government, not the threat of heavy-handed inspection” by Ofsted. Tony McCabe, head teacher at St Joseph’s High School in Greater Manchester, welcomed the guidance, noting that excessive screen time – with some children spending up to five hours on devices before school – can be “very destructive.”
Esther Ghey, whose daughter Brianna was tragically killed after exposure to harmful online content, acknowledged the guidance as “a step in the right direction” but cautioned against a “postcode lottery” of enforcement without a broader legal ban.
Devolved Administrations and Staff Usage
It’s important to note that this guidance applies only to England, as education policy is devolved. Wales has indicated it will support schools in setting their own policies, but does not favor an outright ban. Northern Ireland’s Education Minister has previously advised restrictions on phone use and supports campaigns to delay smartphone access for children. Scotland has also issued guidance allowing schools to establish their own rules.
Recent data from Teacher Tapp reveals varying levels of phone use among teachers themselves: 86% of primary school teachers reported using their phones during breaks, while 44% of secondary school teachers had more unrestricted access. Only 2% of teachers in both sectors reported a complete ban on phone use during the school day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of this new guidance?
The main goal is to create phone-free learning environments in schools across England, with the belief that this will improve focus and reduce distractions for students.
Will Ofsted be penalizing schools that don’t enforce the policy?
The guidance confirms that Ofsted will be inspecting schools on the implementation of their mobile phone policies, but does not specify penalties for non-compliance.
Does this guidance apply to schools outside of England?
No, this guidance only applies to schools in England. Education is a devolved policy area, and Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland have their own approaches to mobile phone use in schools.
As schools adapt to this new guidance, it remains to be seen how effectively the policy will be implemented and what impact it will have on the learning experience for students and the working conditions for educators.
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