The Government led by Andy Burnham is preparing to introduce stricter guidelines in England that will bar pupils from carrying mobile phones on them throughout the school day, with the new rules set to take effect in September 2027.
Rules introduced in June made schools and trusts responsible for maintaining phone-free environments during the day. However, the new measures will go further than "not seen, not heard" policies, where devices remain in pupils' bags, to guarantee children can learn free from distractions, the Government has stated.
New rules go beyond current guidance
These guidelines could shift further, as the Government will prohibit students from carrying their phones on them altogether. It is understood these regulations are distinct from the UK's ban on social media for under-16s, which is scheduled to begin in March 2027.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell stated that school was for learning and friendship, "not scrolling", as she outlined plans to foster "truly phone-free" classrooms. While the majority of schools maintain that phones should be seen and not heard, only 16% of secondary pupils report that phone rules are adhered to at all times, according to a DfE survey conducted in June.
Schools face significant costs
The updated statutory Government mobile phone guidance, set to take effect in September next year, is designed to offer greater clarity on the more robust approaches schools are able to adopt. Head teachers' unions warned that without additional funding, schools would find it difficult to enforce the stricter new measures.
Schools have brought in sealed pouches or lockers to comply with the new guidance, while others are gathering phones at the beginning of the day. Headteachers' unions have stated extra funding will be necessary if schools are mandated to introduce more stringent measures. This could help provide lockable pouches or secure storage – to keep phones away from pupils.
Last week, education minister Paul Waugh stated there was a danger of a "Wild West" of education technology products in schools throughout England.
Union leaders call for funding
Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders' union NAHT, said: "Many schools already have restrictions on phones, but going beyond a 'not seen, not heard' approach comes at a cost. If schools are to implement some of the more robust measures suggested in this guidance, they will need access to additional funding and support."
Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said: "If all schools are going to be expected to have lockable pouches or other secure storage facilities for every pupil, the cost involved will be very significant indeed. This is not feasible unless the Government puts in the funding required to meet these costs."
