Towards a smart phone (device) free school, Parent/ Carer Consultation

Many schools across the UK have already implemented some form of restrictions or limitations of mobile phone use in order to improve learning, focus, and pupil wellbeing. In January 2026 the UK Department for Education (DfE) advised that all schools in England should be mobile phone free environments, including break times and lunchtimes, with exceptions permitted only in specific circumstances (e.g. medical needs).  

Potential benefits

Approaches to reduce/ban mobile phone use within schools, may see benefits such as:

• improved learning environment
• improved classroom focus and engagement in learning
• fewer classroom distractions
• increase in social interactions and wellbeing
• improved safeguarding and behaviour management relating to mobile phone misuse
• reduction in cyberbullying and harmful digital interactions
• strengthened school culture
• improved pupil boundaries and relationships between school, personal life and technology.

Potential barriers/challenges

Introducing changes and new approaches, may be faced with barriers/challenges such as:

• pupil pushback behavioural issues
• resistance from parents/carers
• resistance from teachers/staff
• equity and inclusion issues
• hidden use (e.g. smartwatches) or increase in pupils ‘needing to leave the classroom’
• enforcement challenges and consistency between staff
• logistical constraints over storage of phones

For more information please see this research document by the Council that looked into the latest findings of smart device use for young people - Mobile-Phone-Use-in-Schools-FINAL-REPORT-Apr-2026.pdf