Phones to be banned from pupils’ bags or pockets under new rules

New government regulations in England will prohibit students from carrying mobile phones with them at any time during the school day, reinforcing a stricter approach than current policies. These statutory guidelines, which became legally binding in June, place the responsibility on schools and trusts to ensure a completely phone-free environment throughout the school hours.

From September 2027, the updated rules will extend beyond the common “no see, no hear” policies that some schools currently enforce—where phones can remain in students’ bags as long as they are neither visible nor audible. Education Secretary Lucy Powell emphasized the government’s firm stance by stating that “school is for learning and friendship, not scrolling,” highlighting concerns that access to phones can distract pupils from both their education and social interactions.

While schools will have the autonomy to decide how best to implement these rules, various institutions have already adopted different strategies. Some have invested in secure lockers or sealed pouches to store phones, while others require collecting devices at the start of the day or ban them altogether on school premises. However, leaders from educational unions express concerns about the financial implications of enforcing stricter policies. Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the NAHT school leaders union, notes that phones can present “safety issues” and serve as an “unhelpful distraction,” but also warns that the more stringent measures will “come at a cost.” Similarly, Pepe Di’Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders acknowledged the clarity brought by the new guidance but stressed the impracticality of eliminating phones without government funding to support infrastructure such as secure storage.

Support for tighter phone restrictions is echoed by children’s advocacy figures and campaign groups. Dame Rachel de Souza, England’s Children’s Commissioner, voiced approval for tougher intervention to prevent phone-related disruptions during lessons. Likewise, Charlotte Ashton from the Generation Focus campaign welcomed the changes, criticizing existing “no see, no hear” rules for their ineffectiveness, pointing out that students were still using platforms like TikTok in private areas. Ashton concluded by saying, “Ultimately, we need to get to a point where it’s not normal for every single child to have a personal internet-enabled device in their pockets with them 24/7.”

The response from political figures also reflects mixed reactions to the evolving regulations. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed satisfaction that Labour had “finally listened” and supported a comprehensive smartphone ban in schools. She also backed the government’s commitment to review the safety standards of technology used in schools but criticized what she described as a lack of “joined up thinking” about the introduction of new educational technology. Meanwhile, approaches across the UK vary due to education being a devolved matter. For example, Scotland plans to pass legislation restricting phone use in schools and has recently opened a public consultation on the topic. In Wales, the Senedd voted against a statutory national ban, instead encouraging schools to enforce their own phone policies. Northern Ireland’s Education Minister, Paul Givan, launched a consultation on legally banning phones in schools, emphasizing the need for a “stronger and more consistent approach.”

It is important to note that these school phone regulations are distinct from the UK government’s forthcoming social media restrictions for under-16s, which are set to take effect in March. This ban will prevent children from accessing platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, with additional services like Vinted and eBay also potentially included, according to statements from the culture secretary