New law bans mobile phones in schools as scrutiny of big tech grows

Ministers have reluctantly agreed to a new law prohibiting mobile phone use in schools across England, marking a significant shift from their previous position that guidance to headteachers was sufficient. The legislation emerged after peers threatened to derail the schools bill, forcing the government's hand amid growing public concern about technology's role in children's lives. Digital technology has become deeply integrated into modern education, from messaging platforms to research tools, and this connectivity is unlikely to diminish. However, the move towards stronger regulation of screens in classrooms reflects accumulating evidence about their effects on young people, alongside wider questions about whether powerful tech companies can be trusted to prioritise children's wellbeing over commercial interests. For local authorities and school leaders, the ban raises practical questions about implementation and enforcement, while highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing technological benefits against safeguarding concerns. The debate underscores the need for local government cabinet members to scrutinise how digital policies affect educational standards and pupil welfare in their areas.