Story perspectives

Study Reveals Smartphone Policies Strain School Resources

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

A study by Birmingham University, published in the British Medical Journal, finds enforcing smartphone policies in English secondary schools consumes significant staff resources, averaging over 100 hours per week.
The study of 20 schools shows restrictive policies cost more staff time than permissive ones.
Teachers say managing phone use detracts from other educational activities.
Education leaders call for government support to ease staff burden and strengthen enforcement.

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Story summary

A study by Birmingham University, published in the British Medical Journal, finds enforcing smartphone policies in English secondary schools consumes significant staff resources, averaging over 100 hours per week.
The study of 20 schools shows restrictive policies cost more staff time than permissive ones.
Teachers say managing phone use detracts from other educational activities.
Education leaders call for government support to ease staff burden and strengthen enforcement.