England to ban pupils from keeping phones during school hours

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The UK government is set to impose stricter mobile phone restrictions in schools across England from September 2027, preventing students from keeping phones in their bags or pockets during school hours to ensure distraction-free learning.

The revised guidance, announced by Education Secretary Lucy Powell, will go beyond the existing ‘not seen, not heard’ policy, under which students can carry phones as long as they do not use or display them. Schools will be expected to keep phones switched off and inaccessible throughout the school day.

Schools will have the flexibility to enforce the rules through secure lockers, lockable pouches or collecting phones from students at the beginning of the day. Some institutions have already introduced such measures.

Powell said schools should be places for learning and building friendships rather than scrolling on phones. However, school leaders’ organisations have warned that implementing stricter measures could be difficult without additional government funding.

The government said access to mobile phones can distract students from lessons and reduce face-to-face interaction. The new guidance aims to help schools create an environment where students can focus on learning and social engagement.

The revised school phone policy is separate from the government’s planned restrictions on social media access for under-16s, which are expected to take effect in spring 2027.

Source: BBC