Almost all English schools have prohibited students from using mobile phones during school hours, as shown in the initial national survey. The study, commissioned by Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner for England, revealed that headteachers have implemented such restrictions quickly. Among over 15,000 surveyed schools, 99.8% of primary schools and 90% of secondary schools have implemented mobile phone bans to some degree. Daniel Kebede, the general secretary of the National Education Union (NEU), the largest UK education union, supports a statutory ban on mobile phones in schools. He believes it would help reduce pressure on school unulogically and parents.

Kebede highlights the increased mental health issues among youngsters due to their access to explicit content and calls for stricter regulation of social media companies. Bridget Phillipson, the education secretary, also agrees that mobile phones have no place in classrooms and the government will continue to enforce phone-free schools. However, the Conservative proposal for a complete ban on phones in English schools was dismissed as unnecessary by Keir Starmer. The survey also revealed that the majority of secondary schools allow students to keep their phones but with restrictions. Edward de Souza emphasizes the need for regulating content children are exposed to on the internet and its impact on their health and safety.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/apr/10/majority-of-schools-in-england-ban-mobile-phone-use-survey-shows