Phones to Be Banned from Pupils’ Bags and Pockets Under Tougher School Rules in England

Schools in England are set to introduce stricter mobile phone restrictions, with pupils no longer allowed to keep their phones in their bags or pockets during the school day under new government guidance expected to take effect in September 2027.

Education Secretary Lucy Powell announced the strengthened measures on Monday, November 9, 2026, saying the government wants to move towards completely phone-free schools and reduce distractions affecting children’s learning and social development.

The new guidance will require schools to ensure that pupils cannot access their mobile phones throughout the school day. This represents a tougher approach than the existing policy, which allows students to keep their devices switched off and inside their bags.

The Department for Education said a survey conducted in June found that only 16 per cent of pupils believed existing phone restrictions were consistently followed. Ministers say this suggests that the current approach is not working effectively and that stronger measures are needed.

Schools will have flexibility in deciding how to enforce the restrictions. Options include collecting phones from pupils at the beginning of the school day, storing them in secure lockers, using lockable pouches or introducing a complete ban on bringing phones onto school premises.

Powell said children should not be using smartphones at any point during the school day, adding that schools should provide an environment focused on learning and friendships rather than social media and online distractions.

The government believes restricting access to mobile phones could help pupils concentrate better in lessons, interact more with classmates and take a break from the pressures of the online world. The Department for Education also highlighted research suggesting that one in four children aged between nine and 16 had turned down real-life activities to spend more time online.

The Children’s Commissioner for England, Dame Rachel de Souza, welcomed the proposed restrictions, saying pupils need more opportunities to learn, connect and play without relying on screens.

However, the plans have raised concerns about the cost of implementation. Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Caroline Voaden said schools should receive additional funding to introduce measures such as secure storage facilities and lockable pouches. She also called for safeguards to ensure that pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those with caring responsibilities, can access phones when necessary.

The announcement also includes a consultation on independent safety certification for educational technology, commonly known as EdTech, to provide greater assurance for teachers and parents about the digital tools used in schools. Although some schools in England already operate strict phone-free policies, the new guidance is expected to encourage a more consistent approach across the education system.