Labour pushes for stricter school phone bans amid social media concerns
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson launches a review into smartphone bans in English schools, as MPs call for tougher social media controls.
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The education secretary is scrutinising school phone bans, frustrated by a lack of monitoring. New research will assess enforcement and impact, including behaviour changes. Current guidance advises a full ban during lessons and breaks but lacks enforcement mechanisms.
“While the vast majority of schools are complying with the guidance we need to make sure it’s being followed to the letter. Rather than indulge in gimmicks and headline grabbing after years of telling us the guidance was sufficient like the Tories, we’re going to keep schools honest and ensure classrooms and corridors are phone-free,” a government source said.
Amid growing fears over social media’s effect on teenagers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer cited the Netflix drama Adolescence in the House of Commons, highlighting online misogyny.
Some cabinet ministers, including Wes Streeting, back tighter restrictions. However, the government’s proposed bill to strengthen school phone bans and regulate social media algorithms was recently diluted.
A 2024 Ipsos poll found that nearly half of Britons support a total smartphone ban in schools.
With MPs divided, Phillipson’s inquiry could shape future policy.
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