Under new rules, phones banned from pupils’ bags and pockets during the school day from 2027

Guidance goes further

The updated guidance will move beyond the “no see, no hear” approach used in some schools. Under that policy, pupils may keep phones in their bags if the devices are not visible or audible. Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the government’s message to families is that school should focus on learning and friendship rather than scrolling.

Schools choose their approach

Schools will decide how to put the guidance into practice. Some have bought sealed pouches or secure lockers, while others collect phones at the start of the day or ban them from school sites.

NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said phones could create safety concerns and distract pupils. He also warned that stronger storage requirements could bring substantial costs.

Safety and wider rules

Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed action to limit disruption from phones. She said it should not be normal for every child to carry an internet-connected device at all times.

The government has also announced a review of safety standards for technology used in schools. In Wales, the Senedd recently rejected a motion for a national statutory classroom phone ban, though schools are encouraged to restrict use and retain flexibility over their rules.

Education policy is devolved, so approaches differ across the UK. School phone rules are separate from the UK’s planned social media ban for under-16s, due to begin in March.