New government guidance on mobile phones in schools and what it means for bullying

You can read the full guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mobile-phones-in-schools/mobile-phones-in-schools.

This guidance sets expectations for schools to develop, communicate and enforce clear policies on mobile phone use throughout the school day, during lessons, between lessons, breaktimes and lunchtime, as part of broader behaviour and culture expectations. Schools are also encouraged to teach pupils about the risks associated with mobile phone use, including distraction, classroom disruption and an increase in bullying linked to phones. 

What the guidance includes

• Phone policy expectations: The guidance recommends that schools should be mobile phone-free by default, and communicate how and why this approach supports safe, calm and focused learning environments. Leaders should ensure staff, pupils and parents understand the policy and how it is enforced. 
• Teaching pupils about risks: Schools should also help pupils understand the reasons behind a phone-free environment. This includes explaining how mobile phones can contribute to classroom distraction and be associated with instances of bullying, both in person and online. 
• What inspectors will look at: A recent Ofsted blog explains how the updated guidance will be reflected in school inspections from April 2026. Inspectors will discuss a school’s mobile phone policy with leaders, evaluate how well staff and pupils understand expectations, and consider the impact of the policy on pupils’ learning, behaviour and wellbeing. Where a school chooses not to ban phones entirely, inspectors will explore whether that decision negatively affects behaviour, safety or experiences of bullying. For example, they may look at whether phones contribute to behavioural issues, disadvantage certain pupils’ sense of belonging, or are linked to incidents of bullying or discrimination. 

What this means for bullying

The government's guidance acknowledges that mobile phone use can be associated with increased opportunities for bullying and peer harm during the school day. They believe that removing access to phones during school hours is one way to reduce those opportunities and support safer social environments. 

However, it’s important to note that the guidance does not reference specific academic evidence or research studies within the document itself; it frames mobile phone restrictions alongside wider behaviour and safeguarding expectations. 

ABA’s stance

At the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA), we recognise the challenges that smartphones can present in school settings, including distraction and the potential for online bullying. However, our position is that banning mobile phones on their own is not enough to prevent online or peer bullying and we lack the evidence that this would reduce bullying. Instead, bans should be part of a broader whole-school approach that includes: clear rules and boundaries on phone use, education about online behaviour, supportive relationships, and effective policies addressing bullying in all its forms. 

We believe that schools combining phone policies with robust anti-bullying strategies and positive behaviour cultures are better placed to tackle harmful interactions than relying on bans alone. 

We also believe in a safety by design approach for social media, gaming and other platforms online and urge government to ensure full implementation of the Online Safety Act.