The Department for Education has confirmed that a new rule banning mobile phones in all state-funded schools in England will come into force on Monday, 29 June 2026. This change, embedded in Section 36 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, transforms existing non-statutory guidance into a legal requirement for all state-funded schools in England.
Statutory Guidance Now Law
Until now, the government had resisted making the mobile phone ban statutory, relying on voluntary adherence by schools. However, education minister Jacqui Smith told the House of Lords: “We recognise the strength of feeling on this issue, both in this house and beyond. Notwithstanding the fact that we think the guidance we already have in place provides headteachers and schools with a range of approaches to be able to deliver the objective that we all share, we are committing to tabling an amendment in lieu which will place the existing guidance on a statutory footing on the face of the bill, creating a clear legal requirement for schools. We’ve listened to concerns about how we support headteachers in delivering on this policy and we have listened to parliament.”
Impact on Schools
Pepe Di’Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, commented: “A statutory ban on mobile phones in schools doesn’t really change very much. Most schools already have policies in place under which pupils are not permitted to use mobile phones. What would really be helpful is for the government to make funding available to schools for the safe and secure storage of mobile phones, such as storage lockers or locked pouches.”
Expert Advice for Parents
Ernest Doku, technology expert at Uswitch, added: “For schools without a plan in place already, the smartphone ban will make a difference during the school day – but the challenge for most families doesn't stop at 3pm. With the summer holidays just around the corner, children will be spending more time at home with their devices than ever, and that's where parents often feel least in control. Setting up parental controls is a good first step, but many parents don't realise that a hidden browser or VPN can bypass them entirely, and children often know this before their parents do. No tool or technology will ever completely close every gap, but for parents unsure how to handle phone use, understanding what their child's specific device can actually do puts them in a much stronger position.”
Government Response
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We have been consistently clear that mobile phones have no place in schools, and the majority already prohibit them. This amendment makes existing guidance statutory, giving legal force to what schools are already doing in practice.”
