Tories push for school phone ban as parents fear for children's wellbeing - amid concerns teachers ignoring guidance

24 January 2025, 22:30 | Updated: 25 January 2025, 01:34

The Conservatives are pushing for a ban on mobile phones and other devices in schools - as Labour’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill reaches Committee.

The party has tabled an amendment for the ban - but left how to implement it up to individual schools.

The amendment would mandate that all schools in England introduce the policy for the duration of the school day, from the start of the first lesson period to the end of the last.

There would be more flexibility for sixth forms and residential or boarding schools.

It comes after the previous government issued non-statutory guidance to schools in England intended to stop the use of mobile phones during break and lunch periods in schools, as well as in lessons.

Research has shown that many schools have still not implemented a ban.

Only 11% of secondary schools have effective phone bans in place, Policy Exchange's April 2024 report revealed.

"If the Labour government are serious about improving the wellbeing and education of children, as part of their bill, they will accept this amendment," the Conservatives said.

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"When in government, the Conservatives took action to tackle this problem, including publishing non statutory guidance and a range of other materials for schools which strongly encouraged schools to remove the devices for the school day," the party added.

"However it was made clear at the time that should the problem continue, it would act; then Education Minister Damian Hinds MP stated that the government was monitoring the issue and prepared to issue legislation on the matter if necessary.

"Since then research has shown that many schools are not implementing a ban, and even more evidence has emerged of the damage to children.

"This is why the Conservatives are now taking further action, pushing to crack down on the issue as the problem persists."

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'Damaging'

Laura Trott MP, Shadow Education Secretary, said: “We have a growing understanding of how damaging phones and social media are on our children’s education.

"That's why we believe that smartphones in schools should be banned during the school day.

"This is the right thing for parents, teachers and children, and I hope Labour will back it."

Last year, Unesco called for smartphones to be banned from schools as evidence showed it was linked to reduced educational performance and that excessive screen time had a negative impact on children’s wellbeing.

A Department for Education spokesperson said the Bill would be a "seminal moment" for children and that there is already clear guidance for schools on mobile phones.

The spokesperson said: "The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill will be a seminal moment for the safety and success of our children, from new safeguards around home education to breakfast clubs in every primary school to set children up to learn.

"There is already clear government guidance which helps headteachers to decide how best to prohibit phones in a way that will work in their own schools. If pupils fail to follow those rules, schools have the power to confiscate devices."