Ban in schools across England starts on Monday under new education law | UK | News

From Monday 29 June 2026, England’s education system will witness significant change under sweeping new government legislation. The Child Welfare and Schools Act 2026 will come into force, requiring all government-funded schools to establish a completely phone-free environment throughout the school day.

For some time, the Ministry of Education has been advising schools to restrict the use of mobile devices. While a significant number of schools have already begun to implement such measures (about 90% of secondary schools implement their own bans), the new Act incorporates these rules into national law.

The aim of the phone ban during school hours is to reduce classroom disruption and create a safer environment by addressing concerns about cyberbullying and social media pressures.

Students will be prohibited from using or accessing cell phones, notification-capable smartwatches, or similar smart devices at any point during the school day. This restriction, called the ‘bell to bell’ restriction, applies from the moment the student sets foot in school until the last bell rings at the end of the day.

Schools will allow older students in Years 12 and 13 to access their phones in designated areas, such as the sixth form common room. However, this exception will only be valid if they do not use their devices around younger students. Mirror.

The new legislation will give school principals the power to decide which implementation method is best suited for their school. Some may favor an outright ban on facilities requiring students to surrender their devices at registration, while others may insist that phones remain turned off and stored in bags throughout the school day.

To ensure compliance, Ofsted inspectors will formally assess schools to confirm that a clear and active mobile phone policy is in place. However, the law does not prevent students from carrying phones for security purposes during their journey to and from school.

Certain exemptions are maintained under the legislation, including for students who use mobile apps to manage long-term health conditions such as diabetes. These students will be able to use necessary medical technologies throughout the day.

The change is nationwide, but only applies to England. Schools in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will continue to operate under their own regional frameworks and guidelines.

It was recently announced that social media for those under the age of 16 will be banned in the UK from spring 2027. The government plans to submit the regulations to Parliament before the end of the year. Affected platforms include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. Exemptions include messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal.

Technology Minister Liz Kendall said: “We are determined to ensure technology enriches children’s lives, does not harm them, and gives every child the childhood they deserve.” Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “We have made it clear that mobile phones have no place in our schools. But now we are going further with tougher guidance and stronger enforcement.

“Mobile phones have no place in schools. There are no ifs and buts. Our Engagement and Behavior Centers will support schools struggling to effectively implement phone bans so all our children can learn in phone-free environments. This comes alongside our world-leading curriculum reforms to ensure children develop the media and digital literacy skills they need to succeed in the workplace and throughout life.”

Sir Martyn Oliver, Chief Inspector of Her Majesty’s Office for Educational Standards, Children’s Services and Skills, added: “My message to headteachers is that you now have all the support, and the backing of my inspectors, to ban mobile phones in schools immediately. They reduce children’s attention span, disrupt learning and can harm children’s wellbeing.”