Trending Now

Mobile phone bans in school law to be voted on by MPs

Fahad Redha

April 21, 2026
3 min read

Mobile phone bans in school law to be voted on by MPs

Schools in England would be required to implement mobile phone bans under new plans from the government. Current Department for Education (DfE) guidance already says that phones should not be allowed. But a headteacher who disagrees is allowed to ignore it.

An amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill would propose making it a legal requirement for mobile phone bans in schools. Teachers have long expressed concerns that mobile phones are distracting and can increase issues such as bullying.

Primary School Starters Likely to Receive Place at Preferred School

Most children starting primary school are expected to secure a place at one of their top-choice schools, according to latest figures.

Knife Crime Hotspots Schools to Get Specialist Training

Schools in high-risk areas will receive targeted training to help tackle knife crime and improve student safety.

Steve Backshall Opens New Children’s Natural Play Area at Woodberry Wetlands

A new nature-based play space has opened in London, designed to encourage outdoor learning and environmental engagement for children.

“We have been consistently clear that mobile phones have no place in schools, and the majority already prohibit them,” a DfE spokesperson said. “This amendment makes existing guidance statutory, giving legal force to what schools are already doing in practice.”

The House of Lords voted by a majority of 107 to ban mobile phones during the school day. The proposal, from Tory shadow education minister Baroness Barran, may make an exception for six-form students, medical devices, and some settings for boarding schools.

The House of Commons is expected to vote on the amendment on Wednesday 22^nd April.

Teachers union NASUWT has previously voiced its support for a statutory ban, with headteachers union NAHT also in support.

The new law would provide “clarity,” and “remove any ambiguity or differences between how schools approach smartphone policies,” NAHT general secretary Paul Whiteman said. “Schools will only then need to decide how to implement and enforce a ban across their school community and the government must provide any support they require to do so effectively,” he added.

Stay tuned to EyeOnLondon for the latest news and expert opinions.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest videos and updates!

We value your thoughts! Share your feedback and help us make EyeOnLondon even better!

About Author

Fahad Redha

Fahad is the Content Editor at EyeOnLondon, overseeing the publication’s editorial output across news, culture, and lifestyle. With a background in journalism from the University of the Creative Arts, he brings a broad range of experience from local London reporting in Kensington & Chelsea, where he held roles including motoring, events, and health editor. At EyeOnLondon, Fahad plays a central role in shaping content and maintaining editorial standards. His work spans everything from daily news to feature coverage, with a particular strength in motoring and events. He also incorporates photography into his reporting, adding a visual layer to many of his stories. Fahad joined EyeOnLondon in February 2021.