Ministers are pushing for a new ban where school children must leave their phones at home.

Some school administrators are pushing for a new rule that would ban students from having their phones during the school day. This means that children across England are now being told to leave their phones at home or at the school gate. The government has released new guidance advising schools to even ban phones during breaks and on the playground. In this 13-page document, headteachers are being encouraged to make mobile phones something that can be searched for.

While it is not mandatory for schools to implement this ban, the Department for Education has been advocating for it for quite some time. However, one union believes that this is a "non-policy for a non-problem." According to Geoff Barton, the general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, most schools already have a similar ban in place. The Education Secretary, Gillian Keegan, recommended this ban as a way to empower teachers.

This is not the first time that the government has attempted to restrict phone usage in schools. Former Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced a similar ban three years ago. However, a survey by watchdog Ofcom found that almost all 12-year-olds own a phone, which poses a challenge for teachers. The Department for Education states that the unfiltered internet access on these devices can be a distraction and lead to disruptions, as well as exacerbate misbehavior and bullying.

To combat these issues, the government suggests creating a "phone-free school environment." This means developing and enforcing a policy that prohibits the use of mobile phones during lessons, breaks, and lunchtimes. Phones and other smart devices should be handed in to staff upon entering the school and kept in a secure location. The document emphasizes that phones should never be used, seen, or heard while at school, and there should be strict consequences for those who break the rules.

Of course, there are some exceptions to this ban. The guidance acknowledges that some students may need their phones for specific reasons, such as tracking glucose levels for those with diabetes. Even teachers themselves are expected to follow the ban, only using their phones when necessary for work. Parents are also encouraged to be involved in the ban, as a majority of them believe that phones should not be allowed in schools.

According to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, this ban will help teachers in their "daily battle" with student behavior and enable them to focus on what they do best – teaching. She also adds that schools should be places for children to learn, and mobile phones are a distraction at the very least. The government hopes that this new guidance will provide clarity and consistency for schools and give staff the confidence to enforce the ban.

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