London, April 20, 2026: Schools across England could soon be legally required to ban mobile phones during the school day, following a proposed amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Currently, guidance from the Department for Education advises that mobile phones should not be allowed in schools. However, headteachers have the flexibility to set their own policies. The new amendment aims to make these guidelines legally binding.

The proposal comes amid growing concerns about the impact of smartphone and social media use on students. Teachers and education experts have frequently highlighted issues such as classroom distraction, reduced focus, and increased incidents of bullying linked to mobile phone usage.

A spokesperson from the Department for Education stated that most schools already prohibit mobile phones, and the amendment would provide a consistent legal framework across all institutions.

The House of Lords has approved the proposal with a majority vote, supporting restrictions on mobile phone use during school hours. The amendment includes possible exceptions for sixth-form students, medical requirements, and certain boarding school environments.

The proposal is now expected to be reviewed by the House of Commons later this week.

Education unions, including the National Association of Head Teachers, have expressed support for the move. Union representatives say a statutory ban would bring clarity and consistency to school policies, allowing institutions to focus on effective implementation.

The development also aligns with broader discussions in the UK about regulating children’s access to social media. The government has recently initiated consultations on potential measures to enhance online safety for young people.

If approved, the legislation would mark a significant step in standardizing school policies and addressing concerns around student well-being and digital usage.