May 15, 2026

What You Need to Know: Mobile-Free Schools

On 19 February 2026, the Department for Education published updated guidance on mobile phones in schools, setting out a clear expectation that schools across England should become “mobile phone-free environments by default.”

The guidance forms part of the government’s wider focus on behaviour, safeguarding, wellbeing and improving concentration in classrooms, with schools encouraged to prohibit mobile phone use throughout the entire school day, including:

Lessons
Breaktimes
Lunchtimes
Between lessons

The message from government is clear: schools are being encouraged to take stronger action to reduce digital distraction and create calmer learning environments.

You can read the full guidance here: Mobile phones in schools GOV UK

What Does the New Guidance Say?

The guidance recommends that schools implement policies where pupils do not have access to their mobile phones during the school day.

This includes not only smartphones, but also devices with similar functionality, such as:

Smartwatches
Devices capable of messaging
Devices with recording functionality

The Department for Education states:

“All schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default.”

The guidance also highlights concerns around:

Classroom disruption
Loss of focus
Online bullying
Social pressures
Safeguarding risks
Mental health impacts

What Schools Need to Consider

While the guidance is non-statutory, schools are strongly encouraged to review their behaviour policies and implement clear systems around mobile phone use.

Key considerations include:

Storage and Security

Schools will need practical systems for:

Safe storage
Daily collection
Secure handling
Reducing safeguarding risks

Communication with Parents

The guidance places significant emphasis on parent buy-in and transparency.

Schools are encouraged to:

Clearly communicate expectations
Explain the reasons behind restrictions
Reassure families around pupil safety

Consistent Enforcement

Policies should be:

Simple
Easy to understand
Applied consistently

The guidance also confirms schools can lawfully:

Confiscate devices
Use sanctions
Carry out searches where appropriate

SEND and Reasonable Adjustments

Importantly, the guidance recognises that some pupils may require access to mobile phones for medical or SEND-related reasons.

Examples include:

Diabetes monitoring
Medical communication apps
Individual safeguarding needs

Schools are expected to make reasonable adjustments where necessary under the Equality Act 2010.

Different Approaches Schools Are Taking

The government has also published real-life case studies showing how schools are already implementing mobile-free environments successfully.

These include:

Lockable mobile phone pouches
Collection systems at school gates
Locker-based storage
Hand-in systems
Smartphone-free year groups

You can read the case studies here: Mobile-Free School UK Gov Case Studies

A Growing Shift Towards Mobile-Free Schools

Across England, more schools are now exploring practical ways to reduce digital distraction while still allowing pupils to carry devices safely to and from school.

As schools prepare for September 2026 and beyond, the challenge for many leaders will be finding solutions that are: