England: Schools in England are set to receive stronger guidance on mobile phone use, with the government urging headteachers to introduce stricter measures to keep smartphones out of pupils’ reach throughout the school day.
Education Secretary Lucy Powell noted that the government wants to move towards fully phone-free schools, encouraging institutions to go beyond existing recommendations that mobile phones should be ‘not seen, not heard.’
The current guidance, introduced in September, advises pupils to keep their phones switched off and inside their bags during school hours. However, Powell is now calling on schools to adopt comprehensive policies that prevent students from accessing their devices throughout the day.
The Department for Education (DfE) stated that a survey conducted in June found that only 16 percent of children reported that school phone rules were consistently enforced.
It added that this highlighted the need for stronger guidance and pointed to measures already adopted by some institutions, including lockable phone pouches, collecting devices at the beginning of the school day and complete bans on phones within school premises.
Powell noted that smartphones should not be used at any point during the school day. The Education Secretary added that the government was supporting school leaders and teachers in communicating to parents and pupils that schools should prioritise education and social interaction over screen time.
The DfE has warned that mobile phones can interrupt lessons and affect pupils’ concentration. It also cited polling published in March, which found that one in four children aged nine to 16 had declined real-world activities to spend more time online.
The strengthened guidance is expected to take effect next September. Alongside the announcement, Powell is launching a consultation to examine the introduction of independent safety certification for educational technology, commonly known as EdTech. The proposed system aims to give teachers and parents greater confidence in the technology used in schools.
Children’s Commissioner for England Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the proposed measures, describing them as strong action on mobile phone use. The Commissioner noted that the teachers would appreciate the additional government support.
De Souza added that young people should be able to explore the digital world safely while also having more opportunities to learn, socialise and play without relying on screens.
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