Smartphone Ban Takes Effect in English Schools: What Lead Members Need to Know

New statutory guidance requiring English schools to ban smartphones for the entire school day has come into force, marking a significant policy shift in how technology is managed within educational settings. The Department for Education's phone-free schools policy applies to all state schools and mandates that mobile phones must not be used, seen, or heard during the school day, including during break and lunch times. This represents one of the most substantial changes to school behaviour policies in recent years and places new responsibilities on headteachers to enforce consistent boundaries around device usage. For local authorities and Lead Members, this policy change raises important questions about implementation, particularly in relation to vulnerable children who may rely on phones for safety or communication, and the practical challenges of storage and enforcement. While academies and free schools are not legally required to follow the guidance, the expectation is that all state-funded schools will adopt phone-free practices. Councils may need to consider how this intersects with safeguarding protocols, SEND provision where technology assists learning, and parental communication expectations. The guidance allows schools flexibility in how they achieve phone-free status, whether through blanket bans, collection at the school gate, or secure storage systems. Lead Members should engage with local headteacher networks to understand the varying approaches being taken across their area and ensure that the policy supports rather than hinders educational outcomes and pupil wellbeing.