US News
England to ban pupils from carrying phones in bags or pockets
BBC News reports stricter guidance from September 2027 goes beyond 'no see, no hear' rules, while unions say schools need more funding.
The short version
- Pupils in England will not be allowed to have phones on them during the school day under stricter government guidance.[BBC News]
- The changes go beyond current 'no see, no hear' policies and take effect from September 2027.[BBC News]
- Statutory guidance in force since June already makes schools and trusts legally responsible for phone-free days throughout the school day.[BBC News]
- Head teachers' unions say schools will struggle to implement the stricter policies without extra government funding.[BBC News]
Key facts
- Pupils in England will not be allowed to have phones on them during the school day under stricter government guidance.[BBC News]
- The changes to guidance go beyond current 'no see, no hear' policies and come into force from September 2027.[BBC News]
- Statutory guidance came into force in June, making schools and trusts legally responsible for being phone-free throughout the day.[BBC News]
- Head teachers' unions said schools would struggle to implement stricter policies without additional government funding.[BBC News]
- Education Secretary Lucy Powell said the government's message is that school is for learning and friendship, not scrolling.[BBC News]
What remains uncertain
- Unions say schools need additional government funding to implement stricter rules, but the reporting does not say whether that funding will be provided.[BBC News]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.