School Phone Ban Gains Legal Teeth as Statutory Duty Comes Into Force
From 29 June, state schools in England must have regard to government guidance making them mobile-free by default, with Ofsted set to check policies at every inspection in a move ministers say will protect learning and wellbeing.
Eleanor Whitfield
Writer ·
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- Statutory duty comes into force on 29 June 2026
- Schools should be mobile-free by default, exceptions only
- Backed by Section 36 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
- Ofsted to assess phone policies at every inspection
- Builds on non-statutory guidance issued in January 2026
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