England’s New School Smartphone Ban Sparks Student Opposition, Study Finds

On 30 June 2026, England required all schools to keep pupils phone-free all day. Schools may store phones in lockers, allow limited “dumb” phones, or ban phones entirely.

The Guardian

Survey of 732 pupils (11-18), 27 teachers and 41 parents found 87 % of teachers and 88 % of parents backed a blanket ban, while 75 % of pupils opposed it, saying phones aid communication and safety; they said phones increase safety travelling alone.

The Guardian

The ban builds on local rules that previously allowed lockers, “dumb” phones or prohibition. The DfE frames it as part of an effort with screen-use guidance, a ban on harmful social-media features for under-16s, and curriculum updates on misinformation.

The Guardian

Professor Jessica Ringrose (UCL Institute of Education) led the study, with co-authors Dawn Aytoun of Life Lessons Education and PhD candidate Edith Rodda. The DfE’s stance was voiced by an unnamed spokesperson.

The Guardian

Researchers warned that blanket bans could erode trust, push cyber-bullying reporting underground, and prompt pupils to break lockable pouches. The DfE argues that removing phones reduces classroom disruption, protects children, and that programmes teach safe navigation.

The Guardian

A DfE spokesperson said the ban is “backed by parents” and is coupled with screen-use guidance. UCL report added that “adults feel the bans will alleviate disruptions and simplify classroom management,” noting concerns for pupils.

The Guardian

Pupils called the policy “punitive” and argued phones are needed for safety. Co-authors said rushed policies lacking student input risk a cycle of punishment and encourage workarounds. They called for education that involve students in discussions of ethics and relationships.

The Guardian

• “They felt bans undermined trust between them and the adults in their lives, who they felt misunderstood the integral role phones play in their day-to-day routine.” — Jessica Ringrose, Professor of Sociology of Gender and Education, UCL Institute of Education

The Guardian

• “Schools should encourage students to learn, understand and discuss the ethical, relational and political dimensions of the digital world, as well as the economic models that guide tech companies.” — Dawn Aytoun, Education Consultant, Life Lessons Education

The Guardian

• “Rushed school smartphone policies that don’t consider students’ perspectives, however well intentioned, risk creating a cycle of punishment that ultimately undermines the policy’s aims. Students inevitably find workarounds, like breaking open lockable phone pouches.” — Edith Rodda, Co-author and PhD candidate, UCL

The Guardian

• “ A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We’re using the power of government to drive a culture change that is widely backed by parents and school leaders alike – enabling children to benefit from the best of technology, while protecting them from the worst of it.” — Department for Education spokesperson

The Guardian

The DfE will monitor the ban’s impact through research and provide schools with guidance. UCL plans a longitudinal follow-up to assess effects on pupil wellbeing and academic performance.

The Guardian