From Monday, June 29, a new law will officially ban smartphones in all schools across England, marking a significant shift in educational policy. Section 36 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 comes into force, requiring schools to ensure pupils do not have access to mobile phones or similar smart devices throughout the entire school day, including lessons, breaks, and lunchtimes.
Scope and Enforcement of the Ban
The ban covers the whole school day, with ministers emphasising their determination to ensure "children can learn in phone-free environments." Ofsted will be responsible for checking that schools enforce the ban. Pupils are expected to hand over phones at the start of the day or keep them turned off. Exceptions are made for children who require phones to manage medical conditions.
Government and Official 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."
His Majesty's Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: "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."
Context and Complementary Measures
The phone ban coincides with the Government's announcement of a social media ban for under-16s. The Education Secretary also highlighted that Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will support schools struggling to implement phone bans effectively. The move is part of wider curriculum reforms aimed at building media and digital literacy skills.
