Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has declared that mobile phone use will be prohibited in schools across England, according to new guidance from the Department for Education. The directive supports headteachers in implementing a comprehensive ban on mobile phone use throughout the school day, including break times. The initiative aims to address disruptive behavior, combat online bullying, and enhance students’ focus during lessons.

The move aligns with the government’s broader efforts to elevate standards in schools by minimizing distractions and boosting attentiveness. Education Secretary Keegan emphasized the ban’s endorsement of the hard work of teachers and education staff, building on government reforms and substantial funding for schools, expected to reach nearly £60 billion by 2024-25.

This decision brings England in line with other countries such as France, Italy, and Portugal, where similar bans have already been successfully implemented. Concerns raised by the United Nations regarding the risks associated with smartphones in schools and government data indicating mobile phone misuse in classrooms further supported the move.

The guidance allows for limited exemptions, primarily for medical reasons, ensuring that children who require phones for health-related purposes are not adversely affected by the ban. If schools fail to implement the new guidance, the government reserves the option to consider legislating in the future to make the guidance statutory.

Tom Bennett, a school behavior advisor, hailed the move as a positive step forward, emphasizing the benefits reported by schools that have already instituted such bans. According to Bennett, students in mobile-free environments are safer, happier, and more focused on their studies.

The ban complements the government’s £10 million investment in behavior hubs, supporting up to 700 schools in improving behavior. Additionally, a new behavioural task force led by DfE’s behavior tsar Tom Bennett will contribute to the ongoing efforts to create conducive learning environments in schools.