Government Proposes Statutory Ban on Mobile Phones in England's Schools

1-Minute Brief

The proposed law aims to address student wellbeing and safeguarding by making phone bans in schools legally enforceable.

Key Facts

• The government announced plans to enforce mobile phone bans in England's schools by law.
• A government amendment will replace existing guidance with a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools.
• The amendment will be added to the children’s wellbeing and schools bill.
• Peers in the House of Lords are scheduled to vote on the amendment on Monday evening.
• The government says the measure is intended to ensure 'critical safeguarding legislation' is passed.

What Happened

The UK government has announced plans to introduce a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools in England by amending the children’s wellbeing and schools bill. The amendment will be debated and voted on in the House of Lords.

Why It Matters

The move is intended to strengthen student safeguarding and wellbeing by making mobile phone bans a legal requirement, rather than relying on non-binding guidance.

What's Next

The House of Lords will consider and vote on the proposed amendment. If passed, the statutory ban will become part of the children’s wellbeing and schools bill.