DfE guidance says schools should be phone-free
The DfE's guidance on mobile phones in schools expects you to be mobile phone-free "by default".
Phone-free means phones are prohibited from the beginning to the end of the school day. This includes during lessons, the time between lessons, break and lunchtime. It means pupils shouldn't use phones as calculators, or for research during lessons.
Any other approach should be the exception, not the rule.
The existing guidance is non-statutory but, further to the passing of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, will become statutory at a later date. This article draws on the guidance, and sets out how to choose the right policy and approach for your school.
Ofsted will look at your mobile phone policy
Inspectors will check your mobile phone policy and how effectively it's being implemented when they look at behaviour during inspections.