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School leaders and campaign groups are seeking clear guidance on how to enforce the government’s intended legal ban on smartphone use in schools. The proposed amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to modify existing legislation to require schools to adhere to advice that promotes mobile phone-free environments as the default setting during school hours.
During a parliamentary session on Wednesday, Olivia Bailey, Minister for Early Education, expressed confidence that the current measures would effectively support phone bans in educational settings. However, shadow education secretary Laura Trott acknowledged the move but called for clarification on whether a “not seen, not heard” approach to phones would be permitted, cautioning that past implementations of such policies have not been effective.
Rob McGinty, headteacher at Hollingworth Academy in Greater Manchester, explained that while his school currently follows a “no see, no hear” rule, he supports a more comprehensive smartphone ban. He highlighted that despite existing policies, students continue to bring phones to school, and the details of any ban need to be more clearly defined to better assist schools and teachers. McGinty also mentioned that the school is considering introducing lockable pouches that block phone signals, aiming to decrease distractions caused by notifications from gadgets such as smartwatches and wireless headphones. He commented, “No one’s naive enough to think that mobile phones won’t be going off in a blazer or trouser pocket…” emphasizing the impact of such distractions on students’ ability to focus in class.
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which also includes provisions like tracking children not in school and a unique identifying number for pupils, is currently caught in a legislative back-and-forth between the Commons and the Lords — a process known as “ping-pong.” The government must act swiftly to finalize the bill within the current parliamentary session. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has previously urged schools to adopt the guidance recommending phone-free days, while Conservative MPs have advocated for a full legal ban. The government aims to make the guidance statutory, legally obliging schools to consider it, distinguishing this approach from the more stringent ban some Conservatives propose.
Campaigners like Charlotte Ashton of Generation Focus warn that the prevalent “no see, no hear” policies are insufficient because students can discreetly use smartphones under desks or in unsupervised areas. Ashton advocates for a complete prohibition on phones in school, ideally allowing only basic “brick” phones capable of calls and texts, eliminating internet-enabled distractions. Leaders like Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, recognize the significant operational challenges in enforcing stricter phone policies, noting the potential costs and logistical implications for schools which would require government funding to implement secure storage solutions. Paul Whiteman, headteachers’ union NAHT general secretary, expressed support for the statutory ban, emphasizing that clear guidance will help schools effectively enforce the measures, though some will need time to communicate changes with their communities.
Students themselves offer mixed views on the issue. At Hollingworth Academy, Year 10 pupil Elena values having a phone in case plans change and for safety reasons, while fellow student Shaan acknowledges the distractions but fears anxiety caused by being unable to contact parents quickly. Shaan mentioned that using phone pouches might help reduce her phone usage during school hours.
Amid these discussions, various political voices have reiterated the need for proper support and consultation. Skills Minister Baroness Smith of Malvern reaffirmed that concerns raised by headteachers have been heard, while opposition representatives stressed the importance of funding schools for necessary resources like phone lockers and called for
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