New law starts Monday in schools across England as part of major ban

New law starts Monday in schools across England as part of major ban The new legally enforceable ban comes under Section 36 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 Beginning on Monday, June 29, 2026, education in England will undergo a major change under new government-imposed rules. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, a new law, will take effect, mandating that all state-funded schools create a completely phone-free environment during school hours. For a long time, the Department for Education has recommended that schools impose limits on mobile device usage. Although many schools had already started this process, with around 90% of secondary schools enforcing their own bans, the new Act means these regulations are now national law. The ban on phones during school hours is hoped to minimise classroom disruptions. As well as create a safer environment by addressing concerns around cyberbullying and social media pressure. Students will not be allowed to use or access mobile phones, smartwatches that receive notifications, or similar smart devices at any point during the school day. This 'bell-to-bell' restriction applies from the moment a student enters the school premises until the final bell rings at the end of the day. Schools will allow older students (Years 12 and 13) to have access to their phones in certain areas, such as a sixth-form common room. However, this will only be the case as long as they aren't using them in front of younger pupils. The legislation will allow headteachers to determine the specific enforcement method that works best for their school. Some may choose a total ban on the premises, requiring students to hand over devices at registration, or mandate that devices remain turned off and out of sight inside bags throughout the day. To ensure compliance, Ofsted inspectors will formally audit schools to verify that they have an explicit, active phone policy. However, the law does not prohibit students from carrying a phone for safety reasons during their commute to and from school. There are some exemptions protected under the law, including for students who rely on mobile apps to monitor chronic health conditions, such as diabetes. These pupils will still be able to use their necessary medical technology throughout the day. While the change is national, it is specific to England. Schools in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will continue to operate under their own separate regional frameworks and guidance. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: "We are determined to ensure technology enriches children's lives, not harms them - and to give every child the childhood they deserve." Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "We have been clear that mobile phones have no place in our schools. But now we're going further through tougher guidance and stronger enforcement. "Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts. Our Attendance and Behaviour Hubs will support schools that are struggling to effectively implement phone bans so all our children can learn in phone-free environments. This comes alongside our world-leading curriculum reforms, which will ensure children build the media and digital literacy skills needed to thrive at work and throughout life." His Majesty's Chief Inspector, Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills, Sir Martyn Oliver, said: "My message to headteachers is you now have all the backing - and the backing of my inspectors - to ban mobile phones in schools immediately. They chip away at children's attention span, distract from learning and can be detrimental to children's wellbeing."