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Legal Ban Enforced in England from Today
As of Monday, June 29, 2026, a legal ban on mobile phones in schools across England has officially come into force under Section 36 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. This legislation transforms previous government guidance into a statutory requirement, mandating that all schools must ensure pupils do not have access to mobile phones or similar smart devices throughout the entire school day.

The restriction explicitly covers lessons, break times, lunchtimes, and the time between classes. While schools retain discretion on how to enforce the ban—such as using lockers, sealed pouches, or requiring phones to be handed in at the start of the day—passive or relaxed rules are no longer permitted. Ofsted inspectors now have the authority to formally check that schools have clear policies and are consistently enforcing them as part of their behaviour judgments.

Scope and Exceptions
The ban extends beyond standard smartphones to include any smart technology capable of sending notifications or messages, such as smartwatches. However, the law includes specific exceptions to accommodate individual needs. Schools must make reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils under the Equality Act 2010 and for students managing

medical conditions, such as those using phones to monitor blood sugar levels for diabetes. Additionally, sixth-form students (Years 12 and 13) may be granted limited access to their devices in designated areas like common rooms, provided they do not use them in front of younger pupils. Boarding schools are also required to prohibit phone use during the teaching day but must develop appropriate policies for evening use to facilitate contact with families.

Implementation and Staff Responsibilities
Headteachers are legally backed to confiscate devices for any length of time they deem proportionate if the policy is breached. The law protects staff from liability for loss or damage to confiscated items, provided they act lawfully. Staff members are also subject to restrictions; they must not use their own mobile phones for personal reasons in front of pupils during the school day to model expected behaviour, though professional use for teaching or administrative tasks remains permitted.

Devolved Nations and Regional Differences
The legal mandate applies specifically to England, as education is a devolved matter. In Scotland, guidance introduced in 2024 allows headteachers to implement bans, with Edinburgh secondary schools moving toward a total ban. Wales currently leaves the decision to individual headteachers, though national expectations are being developed. In Northern Ireland, a pilot scheme has concluded, with a report on its effectiveness pending.

A new ban is coming into force in schools across England from Monday, with parents warned.

Smartphones will no longer be allowed in schools with the new rules to be legally enforceable from Monday, June 29.

This is when Section 36 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 officially comes into force.

Schools will have to ensure kids do not have access to their mobile phones (or similar smart devices) throughout the entire school day.

This covers the whole school day, including during lessons, the time between classes, break times, and lunchtimes, Chronicle Live reports.