Mobile phones in schools - what to expect from the Government guidance?
As widely reported in the media, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan recently announced (2 October) the Government's intention to produce new guidance banning mobile phone use in schools.
The guidance is expected to be non-statutory and will ban mobile phone use throughout the school day, including at break times. The Government has announced that the guidance aims to support teachers and education staff and tackle disruptive behaviour and online bullying whilst boosting attention during lessons. It was also announced that, should schools fail to implement the new guidance, it will consider legislating to make the guidance statutory.
We do not have a specific date for the updated guidance, which will be issued 'shortly'.
Initial commentary on the announcement has been mixed, with a large number noting that this is already existing practice within a large number of schools. Interestingly, this was one of the findings of a Department for Education consultation in February 2022, which shared feedback demonstrating that most schools have well developed plans in place for the management of mobile phone use, with mobile phones already banned for the majority of the school day and schools taking a range of measures to enforce their policy.
It is envisaged that the Government guidance will assist schools with practical advice and set out limited expectations where phone use is deemed necessary. This will likely supplement and develop existing school policies and practices.
What should schools do now?
- Be ready to review your existing policies: it is likely that you will have developed policies and practices regarding the management of mobile phone use. You should have these ready for review and check whether any updates are required in light of the Government guidance.
- Communication with parents/carers: there are likely to be a number of concerns from parents/carers, particularly around the safety of pupils travelling to and from school. Schools should consider what concerns will likely be raised and communicate effectively with parents. You should also consider school procedures should a parent/carer need to contact their child urgently during the school day.
- Communication with pupils: this will provide an opportunity to consolidate your approach to mobile phone use in schools. Schools should provide clear expectations to pupils regarding mobile phone use, and should they not comply, the sanctions that may be imposed.