New law bans phones in England state schools

A new law banning mobile phones throughout the school day comes into force across state-funded schools in England today, Monday, June 29, 2026. The legislation, Section 36 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, makes schools legally responsible for ensuring pupils cannot access smartphones or similar devices from the start of the school day until the final bell.

The ban applies to the entire school day, including lessons, breaks, and lunchtimes, and extends beyond phones to include smartwatches and other communication devices capable of receiving notifications. While schools have discretion over implementation methods, they must now create a phone-free environment by default. Common approaches include requiring students to hand over devices upon arrival, storing them in lockers or secure pouches, or allowing them only if switched off and out of sight. Ofsted inspectors will formally check that schools have a clear policy and are consistently enforcing it.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated the government’s position clearly, saying mobile phones have no place in schools. She emphasized that the new law provides tougher guidance and stronger enforcement, with...