From Monday, June 29, a legally enforceable ban on smartphones will take effect in all schools across England. This follows the implementation of Section 36 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which transforms the government's previous mobile phone guidance into binding law.
Scope of the Ban
The restriction applies throughout the entire school day, including lessons, breaks, and lunchtimes. It covers smartphones and similar smart devices, such as smartwatches capable of receiving notifications or text messages. Schools must ensure students do not have access to these devices during school hours. Passive or relaxed policies are no longer acceptable.
Enforcement by Ofsted
Ofsted inspectors will formally verify that each school has a clear policy and is consistently enforcing the ban. The law mandates a phone-free environment but grants schools discretion in how to achieve it. Common approaches include a total ban on phones on premises, requiring students to hand over devices at the start of the day, or allowing students to keep phones only if they are turned off.
Exceptions are permitted for older students in Years 12 and 13, who may use phones in designated areas like sixth-form common rooms, provided they do not use them in front of younger pupils. Additionally, students who require phones to manage medical conditions—such as monitoring blood sugar levels for diabetes—are exempt.
Ministerial Statements
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated: "We are determined to ensure technology enriches children’s lives, not harms them - and to give every child the childhood they deserve." Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added: "We have been clear that mobile phones have no place in our schools but now we’re going further through tougher guidance and stronger enforcement. Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts."
She highlighted that Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will support schools struggling to implement phone bans effectively. Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector at Ofsted, commented: "My message to headteachers is you now have all the backing - and the backing of my inspectors - to ban mobile phones in schools immediately. They chip away at children’s attention span, distract from learning and can be detrimental to children’s wellbeing."
Background
The ban builds on earlier government moves, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement earlier this year of a social media ban for under-16s. The new law aims to create a phone-free school environment, with the goal of improving focus, reducing distractions, and protecting student wellbeing.
