A smartphone ban in English schools is coming into force. What's changing?

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. A smartphone ban in English schools is coming into force. Image source, GettyByHayley ClarkeEducation reporterPublished6 hours agoA ban on smartphones in schools in England comes into force on Monday, 29 June, making individual schools and trusts legally responsible for being phone-free throughout the day. It is separate from the recently announced ban on social media for under-16s, and the government said the move would give "legal force to what schools are already doing in practice".

But what is changing? And what does it mean for pupils, parents and teachers? Can I still take my phone to school?

The Details

This will depend on your school's rules - but in most cases, probably. Lots of schools let students bring their phones in, as long as they're not used, seen or heard. Earlier this year, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson wrote to head teachers to encourage them to follow guidance which says "all schools should be smartphone-free environments by default".

This is now going to be law as part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act, which passed in April. It means head teachers are legally required to follow that guidance, external. Where will my phone go during the school day?

Image caption, Some schools give students pouches for their phones Almost all schools already have some sort of phone ban in place - but policies vary. Some have special lockers for phones, others have sealed pouches. At one school in Hampshire, "brick" or "dumb" phones are the only devices allowed, which can only be used to call or text and have very limited internet access.

What Experts Say

In Essex, another school has just invested in magnetically locked pouches, to replace its previous out-of-sight policy. Children who need access to their phones during the day for medical reasons, such as to control an insulin pump, will instead use Velcro-sealed pouches. These types of pouches have already made a "phenomenal difference" at a school in Hull, the staff and pupils say.

Some schools have "no see, no hear" policies, where phones can remain with students as long as the devices remain stored away. The government says head teachers know their schools and pupils best, so can choose a way of delivering a phone ban that works for them. But some unions want the government to go further.

Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, has called for more funding to support bans beyond "no see, no hear", to help pay for things like lockers, secure storage areas or phone pouches. Why is this happening? Politicians have been debating this issue for a few years now.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.