The UK government has announced plans to introduce a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools in England, amending the children's wellbeing and schools bill to replace existing non-binding guidance with a legal requirement. The move, tabled in the House of Lords, aims to ensure the passage of what ministers describe as critical safeguarding legislation.
Education minister Jacqui Smith told the Lords on Monday that the government recognised the strength of feeling on the issue, both in the House and beyond. She stated that an amendment would be tabled to place existing guidance on a statutory footing, creating a clear legal requirement for schools to prohibit mobile phone use.
The government had previously resisted a statutory ban, arguing that most schools already had policies in place. Research from the children's commissioner for England last year found that 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools already limited or restricted mobile phone use during the school day.
Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said the statutory ban would not change much in practice, as most schools already have policies. He called for government funding for secure storage solutions such as lockers or locked pouches.
A government spokesperson criticised opposition peers for delaying the bill, which includes measures such as free breakfast clubs and limits on branded school uniform. The Liberal Democrats claimed credit for forcing the ban, saying they had delivered a win for pupils, teachers, and families.
