Phones in school bags? Not for long: England tightens its ban from 2027
From September 2027, pupils in England won't be allowed to keep phones on them at all during the school day. Head teachers say schools will need money to make it work.
Think your phone is safe at the bottom of your school bag? In England, that won't be an option for much longer. The government has announced stricter rules: from September 2027, pupils must not have their phones on them at all during the school day.
What happened?
Ministers are changing their existing guidance for schools in England. It goes further than the "no see, no hear" policies some schools use, where phones can stay in bags as long as nobody sees or hears them.
Now, phones shouldn't be in bags or pockets. Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the message to parents and pupils is clear: "school is for learning and friendship, not scrolling".
The government says access to phones "risks pulling children away from their learning and from each other". Schools can choose how to do it. Some already use sealed pouches or secure lockers. Others collect phones in the morning, or ban them from the site altogether.
Why is everyone talking about it?
Because of the bill. Paul Whiteman of the NAHT (a school leaders' union) said stronger measures "come at a cost". Pepe Di'Iasio of the Association of School and College Leaders said leaders "cannot simply make mobile phones disappear". Lockable pouches or storage for every pupil would be "very significant" in cost, he said, and not feasible without government funding.
Others are pleased. Dame Rachel de Souza, Children's Commissioner for England, welcomed strong action. Campaign group Generation Focus said "no see, no hear" wasn't working, with pupils still "TikToking in the toilets". Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said she was "delighted" that Labour had agreed to a proper ban.
The government has also announced a review of safety standards for technology used in schools. Trott criticised a lack of "joined up thinking" about new tech in classrooms.
What came before, and what's next?
Statutory guidance (rules schools must follow) came into force in June. It made schools and trusts legally responsible for keeping the school day phone-free. The new changes tighten that, and start in September 2027.
Education is devolved, so the rest of the UK differs. Scotland plans a new law and held a consultation. Wales' Senedd recently voted against a statutory ban. Northern Ireland opened a 12-week consultation in August.
This is separate from the UK's planned social media ban for under-16s, due in March.
Story timeline
England school mobile phone ban guidance · 2 updates
What happened before and after this story. Background events not previously covered were summarised by AI.
