The government has issued fresh guidance urging schools to ban mobile phones or lock them away during the school day, as ministers push for "truly phone-free schools" to reduce distraction and disruption in lessons.
Labour's guidance encourages schools to require pupils to store phones in lockers throughout the day, moving away from the current approach where devices remain accessible in bags under a "not seen, not heard" policy.
Support from Shadow Education Secretary
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott MP welcomed the move, saying: "I am delighted that Labour have finally listened to us and agreed to properly ban smartphones in schools. This sudden outbreak of common sense is welcome, but we are lacking joined up thinking from Labour when it comes to technology in schools."
The government noted that only 16% of secondary pupils say phone rules suggesting devices should not be "seen or heard" are followed all of the time.
Education Secretary's Statement
Education Secretary Lucy Powell said: "Children should not be using smartphones at any point during the school day, full stop. That's why we're strengthening our guidance to take the next leap towards truly phone-free schools."
She added: "Schools are already leading the way. We're backing heads and teachers with a clear message for parents and pupils: school is for learning and friendship, not scrolling. Alongside our curriculum reforms, this is about making school unmissable – giving every child more chances to learn, connect and thrive."
Broader Measures on Phone Use
Labour has also moved to clamp down on phone usage among youngsters with a social media ban for under-16s coming into force from March 2027.
