Phone Use in Schools 2026-03-02

2026-03-02

TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Direct Answer
John Whitby Lab
Derbyshire Dales
Context
MP concerns about children using phones in schools
What steps she is taking to help prevent the use of phones by children in schools.
Mobile phones have no place in our schools. We have published strengthened guidance that is clear that all schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default for the entire school day. Ofsted will be checking this at every inspection.
Assessment & feedback
null
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
John Whitby Lab
Derbyshire Dales
Context
MP's support for schools implementing mobile phone bans
What assessment has been made of the magnetic lockable pouches that are being used in some schools as a way of preventing any smartphone access during the entire school day, including lunch time and breaks? Could a national roll-out of those be considered?
Lockable pouches are being used successfully by many schools and are listed in the Department's examples of best practice approaches. Heads can rightly choose how they implement the mobile phone ban in their school to reflect what works best in context.
Assessment & feedback
national roll-out potential
Heads Can Rightly Choose
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Jessica Brown-Fuller Lib Dem
Chichester
Context
Teachers and students from Chichester high school using lockable magnetic pouches
Last week, I spent time with teachers and students from Chichester high school who have implemented the use of lockable magnetic pouches. Students told me that this had improved their focus in lessons and, interestingly, that the number of bathroom breaks had halved. Their use has reduced the pull of the addictive features on phones, and teachers report that children are just being children at break times rather than being glued to their phones. I am glad that the Minister shares my ambition to see every school become phone free, but what support are the Government going to provide for schools that have really tight budget restrictions to enable them to achieve this?
We are going to be working with schools through our attendance and behaviour hubs, along with our toughened guidance, to make sure we support them to implement this policy properly.
Assessment & feedback
budget restrictions support
Working With Schools
Response accuracy
Q4 Partial Answer
Marsha de Cordova Lab
Battersea
Context
Impact of excessive screen time on eye healthcare
I am pleased that the Government are looking at ways to protect our children and young people when it comes to the use of screens. It is vital that teachers, parents and young people have strong guidance in place, as we know that excessive screen time can have an impact on eye healthcare, so will the Minister commit to ensuring that any forthcoming guidance addresses eye health and eye conditions such as dry eye disease and myopia?
I am happy to give her that assurance, and I would be delighted to meet her to discuss this matter in more detail.
Assessment & feedback
commitment to address eye health
Delighted To Meet
Response accuracy
Q5 Partial Answer
Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem
Bath
Context
Mobile phones undermining classroom policies
I was a secondary school teacher before I came to this place, and even 10 years ago, although the school guidance was that mobile phones should not be in classrooms, enforcing that was a daily struggle. The presence of mobile phones undermines what schools are trying to do, causing distraction, potentially enabling cyber-bullying and exposing students to potentially harmful online content. We have been through all this. Sometimes it is important that guidance is supported by law, so will the Government turn the existing guidance into law and ban phones in schools?
In the consultation we have announced today, we are consulting on whether a statutory ban is needed, but the action that we have taken addresses the root cause of the problem: the clarity of mobile phone policies and how well they are enforced.
Assessment & feedback
turning guidance into law
Consulting On Statutory Ban
Response accuracy
Q6 Partial Answer
Jack Rankin Con
Windsor
Context
Back Benchers' views on mobile phone ban
The Secretary of State has bent over backwards to avoid backing a ban on mobile phones in schools. Her Back Benchers are making their views clear, so can she confirm whether she will be whipping them next week to vote against our amendment to ban phones in schools? We look forward to the Government's 17th U-turn in as many months—the 18th if the one on Iran counts—but if a U-turn is not coming, why does she continue to stand in the way of parents, heads and her own Back Benchers, who simply want classrooms free from disruption?
In the consultation we announced today, we are consulting on whether a statutory ban is needed. Secondly, it is my firm belief that we have addressed the root cause of the problem, which is that the policies are not sufficiently clear and that they are not being well enough enforced.
Assessment & feedback
whipping Back Benchers
Consulting On Statutory Ban Addressing Root Cause
Response accuracy