Bath MP Wera Hobhouse has called on the Government to strengthen its approach to mobile phones in schools by turning guidance into law and introducing a statutory ban on smartphones.
Wera Hobhouse MP in Parliament | Photo © House of Commons Photographer – Jess Taylor
The Liberal Democrat MP raised the issue in Parliament on Monday 2nd March, arguing that phones in schools are harming pupils’ education by distracting them during lessons, increasing the risk of cyberbullying and leaving children more vulnerable to harmful online content.
Her comments come after the Government published new guidance stating it expects schools to be “mobile-phone-free by default”, alongside advice on how to introduce policies banning their use during the school day.
Ministers have also said Ofsted will look at phone policies during every inspection. However, the guidance does not create a legal requirement for schools to comply.
There are concerns that leaving the policy at guidance level does not offer enough protection for schools. Teachers’ union NASUWT has described the guidance as insufficient and says it can leave schools open to complaints from parents and accusations of inconsistency. The union is calling for a UK-wide statutory ban, with phones required to be locked away.
Mrs Hobhouse told Parliament that, during her time as a secondary school teacher, enforcing rules around phone use was a daily challenge, and she believes legislation would give schools clearer backing.
The Liberal Democrats are pushing for a legal ban with specific exceptions for children who genuinely need a phone during the day, such as young carers and pupils who use their devices to monitor their health, in order to keep any policy practical and fair.
Responding, Olivia Bailey, the Minister for Early Education, said the Government is considering whether legislation is needed as part of its consultation on social media and phones.
She said most schools already have bans but suggested the issue is that they are not always effective, which the Government is looking at addressing.
Mrs Hobhouse said: “As a former secondary school teacher, I’ve seen first-hand the problems phones cause in schools. They disrupt lessons, derail learning, and too often become tools for cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content that damages children’s mental health.
“Phones have no place in the classroom. We’re hearing from teachers that guidance alone is just not sufficient. The government must act now and introduce a legal ban to protect children and their education.”
