Are phones banned in schools in England?

Schools in England are expected to be phone-free by default. Under statutory guidance that took effect on 29 June 2026, and that schools were expected to follow from 1 September 2026, pupils shouldn't have access to their phones at any point in the school day, including between lessons, at break and at lunchtime.

Can my child still take a phone to school?

The guidance leaves the practical arrangements to each school, for example lockers, so pupils can still have their phones for the journey to and from school. Check your school's own policy.

Does it apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

No. Schools policy is devolved, and this guidance covers England only.

What if my child needs their phone for a medical reason?

Schools may adapt their policies where necessary for the needs or circumstances of specific pupils. Speak to the school about your child's situation.

Guides · What's changing

Phone-free schools in England: what the new rules mean for families

Since 1 September 2026, the school day in England is phone-free by default, and it's now backed by law. The part of the day that has changed most, though, is after school.

3 min read · Published 28 September 2026 · Last reviewed 28 September 2026

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In short

Since 29 June 2026, schools in England must have regard to the Department for Education's guidance on mobile phones, which gives it the force of law, and they were expected to follow it from 1 September 2026. The guidance says schools should be phone-free by default: pupils shouldn't have access to their phones at any point in the school day, including breaks and lunch. Ofsted now checks this at every inspection.

Key facts

Statutory from 29 June 2026; schools expected to follow it from 1 September 2026.
Phone-free by default, including breaks and lunch.
Ofsted checks phone policies at every inspection.

What the rules say

The Department for Education's guidance on mobile phones in schools was already in place. What changed in 2026 is that it now carries the force of law. Section 36 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 requires schools in England to have regard to it. That provision came into force on 29 June 2026, and schools were expected to begin following the guidance from 1 September 2026.

Its central line:

"All schools should be mobile phone-free environments by default; anything other than this should be by exception only."

In practice that means pupils shouldn't have access to their phone (or similar smart devices) at any point in the school day: in lessons, between lessons, at break and at lunchtime.

Who it covers

Maintained schools, academies, free schools and non-maintained special schools in England.
Not post-16 institutions.
Not Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, where schools policy is devolved.

How schools are putting it into practice

The guidance sets the expectation and leaves the method to each school. Some use lockers or pouches so pupils still have their phones for the journey. Schools may also adapt their policies for specific pupils' needs or circumstances.

Two further points matter for how seriously it will be taken. Ofsted now assesses schools' phone policies, and how well they're implemented, at every inspection. And the government has said it will review the guidance against its annual behaviour survey, with any changes due by September 2027.

What you can do at home

Ask your child how the phone-free day is going. Many children find it a relief, and some find it hard. Either way you'll learn something.
Plan the handback. Agree when the phone comes back after school, and what comes before it. Having the next thing lined up is what makes stopping easier; see what to say when your child won't stop.
Write it down together. Our free Family Digital Agreement covers when screens stop, what comes first and where phones sleep, and you both sign it.

Kairoo

The school day is covered. The evening is yours.

Agree the evening with your child, when screens start and when they rest, and both sign it. Kairoo holds it on their phone, so you're not the one policing it.

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Questions parents ask

Are phones banned in schools in England?: Schools in England are expected to be phone-free by default. Under statutory guidance that took effect on 29 June 2026, and that schools were expected to follow from 1 September 2026, pupils shouldn't have access to their phones at any point in the school day, including between lessons, at break and at lunchtime.
Can my child still take a phone to school?: The guidance leaves the practical arrangements to each school, for example lockers, so pupils can still have their phones for the journey to and from school. Check your school's own policy.
Does it apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?: No. Schools policy is devolved, and this guidance covers England only.
What if my child needs their phone for a medical reason?: Schools may adapt their policies where necessary for the needs or circumstances of specific pupils. Speak to the school about your child's situation.

Sources

Mobile phones in schools (England) (CBP-10241), House of Commons Library, 2026

Last reviewed 28 September 2026. Kairoo checks these pages when the rules or the research change; if you spot something out of date, tell us at hello@kairoo.family.