Updated guidance on mobile phones: what does it mean for your school?
Updated guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) makes it clear that schools, in England, should now be phone-free by default.
Leaders and teachers are naturally asking: What does this mean for our school? Where should we start? And what does effective, sustainable change look like in practice?
While this guidance is England-specific, schools across Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales face the same challenges. The national conversation is building, and shared experience and practical examples from across the UK can help leaders respond thoughtfully and make positive change in their communities.
We’re here to help make sense of the guidance – and provide practical support as schools take the next steps.
Tools to support effective implementation
What the DfE guidance says:
Pupils should not have access to mobile phones during the school day – including lessons, transitions, breaks, and lunch – and phones should not be used as calculators or for research in lessons. Schools are phone-free by default, with exceptions only in rare cases. In England, Ofsted will check policy, enforcement, and impact, including day-to-day application, understanding by staff and pupils, and effects on learning, behaviour, and wellbeing.
From guidance to action:
Our resources help explore policy options, take steps towards change, and shape approaches that deliver the widest impact – in the classroom and across the school community.
[.style-link] ‘No smartphones on site’ policies: A practical guide for Secondary School Leaders [.style-link]
Key considerations of moving to a no-smartphone-on-site policy, including implementation, operation and communication.
[.style-link] ‘No smartphone on site’ alternative phones list [.style-link]
A list of mobile phones that may be appropriate under a no-smartphone-on-site policy, to help schools and families navigate alternatives.
[.style-link] Evidence pack for Headteachers [.style-link]
Research and case studies to support policy development, including policy guidance and real examples from headteachers.
[.style-link] A Guide for Primary School Leaders [.style-link]
Practical guidance for primary leaders considering policy change and building momentum in the school community.
[.style-link] A Guide for Primary School Governors [.style-link]
Explains the thinking behind policy change, from the evidence and rationale to the practical steps governors can take to support school leaders and communities.
Tools to support parents through change
What the DfE guidance says:
The guidance asks schools to clarify their mobile phone policy, making it clear to pupils, parents, and staff. Sharing the policy supports school culture and ensures everyone understands expectations, enforcement, and any sanctions for breaches.
From guidance to action:
Schools are often at the centre of conversations about smartphones and social media, and the most effective approach is a partnership with families. These tools help support dialogue, reduce misunderstandings, and make phone-free policies more effective and sustainable.
[.style-link] Draft letter from schools to parents/carers [.style-link]
Communicate clearly with families about your school’s policy, the guidance, and the possibility of future changes.
[.style-link] Ready-to-use parent survey [.style-link]
Continue the conversation with families, build understanding, and support positive policy steps.
[.style-link] Common pushbacks guide [.style-link]
Anticipate typical concerns from parents and respond with reassurance and clarity.
[.style-link] Conversation-starter video [.style-link]
Highlight the seven ‘superpowers’ of smartphone-free childhoods to spark discussion with parents.
Moving forward, together
This moment represents a shift, but schools don’t need to navigate it alone.
The SFC Schools Network is a free community where leaders and teachers can:
- Connect with peers implementing transformative smartphone-free policies
- Receive practical, ready-to-use resources and tools to help create change
- Share experiences, questions, and lessons learned, openly and without judgement
Join a supportive network of educators creating happier, healthier and safer smartphone-free school environments.
