DfE releases mobile phone guidance for schools

The Department for Education (DfE) has released new guidance on mobile phones in schools, stating that school leaders should prohibit their use during the school day.

It states that schools should develop a mobile phone policy that prohibits the use of mobile phones and other smart technology with similar functionality to mobile phones throughout the school day, including during lessons, the time between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime.

Where schools have a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scheme to facilitate the use of laptops or tablets for learning, they should be used in accordance with the school’s BYOD policy and should not include mobile phones.

According to Ofcom, 97 per cent of pupils own a mobile phone by the age of 12.

The DfE cites the negative effects of social media and mobile phone use as part of the reason they are suggesting these policies.

Gillian Keegan, secretary of state for education, said that mobile phones risk unnecessary distraction, disruption and diversion.

She said: "We owe it to our children to do what we can to remove distractions and enable them to be fully present and engaged in the classroom."

Keegan added that removing mobile phones from the school environment gives pupils "the headspace and calm to focus on their lessons."

Schools also need to consider whether pupils in the sixth form should be permitted access to their mobile phone at certain and limited times and locations, reflecting this period of education as one of increased independence and responsibility, without compromising the school’s policy on the use of mobile phones for other pupils.

School leaders should introduce policies to prohibit the use of mobile phones in line with each schools individual needs. These include no mobile phone use on school premises, mobile phones being handed in on arrival, and devices being kept in a secure location which pupils cannot access during school hours.

Headteachers are backed by the DfE to confiscate mobile phones and similar devices for the length of time they deem proportionate if policies are not respected.

While the policy should be fairly enforced, schools should allow flexibility in their policy for pupils with special considerations, such as a young carers policy.