Head teachers in England have received guidance aiming to reduce disruption and enhance behaviour in classrooms by implementing a ban on mobile phones in schools. The nationwide rules support teachers in prohibiting mobile phone use throughout the school day, including break times. Students who violate the ban may face detention and have their phones confiscated for a duration determined by the head teacher. Additionally, teachers are granted the authority to search students’ backpacks, and now have legal protection from parental lawsuits concerning confiscated devices.

The guidance, applicable to both primary and secondary schools, follows a recent call for action by Esther Grey, mother of Brianna Ghey, advocating for stricter measures regarding internet and social media usage. Schools are presented with four policy options to enforce the ban, ranging from a complete prohibition on phones within school premises to allowing students to retain their phones under strict conditions, with severe consequences for any breaches.

The Department for Education emphasises the effectiveness of confiscation as a deterrent and recommends that parents contact the school office to reach their children during the school day. Statistics reveal that a significant number of secondary school students report unauthorised phone use during lessons, prompting concerns about its impact on educational performance. Esther has urged for stricter regulations, including a ban on social media access for children under 16, citing her daughter’s vulnerability due to excessive online exposure.

The guidance aims to establish consistency across all schools in England, although the authority to determine each school’s phone policy ultimately rests with the head teacher.