Education Minister has launched a consultation on
legislative proposals to support mobile phone-free schools and
published strengthened guidance making clear that schools should
be phone-free.
The announcement follows the publication of an independent
evaluation by King's College London of the Department of
Education's Mobile Phone-Free Schools Pilot, which found that
restricting access to smartphones during the school day helped
create calmer, safer and more focused learning environments.
Announcing the measures, said: "The evidence from the
Kings College London report and wider research indicates that
unrestricted access to mobile phones during the school day can
have a detrimental impact on learning, behaviour, wellbeing and
safeguarding.
"The independent evaluation carried out by King's College London
found that schools participating in the pilot experienced
improvements in classroom focus, engagement, behaviour,
safeguarding and social interaction. Teachers reported fewer
disruptions, stronger relationships and a more positive school
environment overall.
Alongside the Kings College London findings, a Department of
Education survey of schools highlighted widespread concern about
the impact of mobile phones in educational settings. The survey
found:
- 73% of respondents believed the overall impact of mobile
phones during the school day was negative;
- 71% reported a significant impact on pupil wellbeing;
- More than 90% linked mobile phones to behavioural issues;
- 83% cited online conflict spilling into school, while 77%
identified safeguarding concerns and 71% highlighted
cyberbullying.
continued: "As a parent, I
understand why many families want their children to have a phone.
But I also know that every parent wants their child to be able to
concentrate in class, feel safe in school and make the very most
of their education.
"Every child deserves to come to school ready to learn, free from
unnecessary distractions, and able to build positive
relationships, develop confidence and achieve their full
potential.
"Schools across Northern Ireland have told us they are dealing
daily with the consequences of excessive mobile phone use,
including distraction from learning, cyberbullying, online
conflict, safeguarding concerns and impacts on wellbeing.
"While many schools already have robust policies in place, I
believe we now need a stronger and more consistent approach
across our education system.
"The King's College London evaluation recommended that the
Department establish a clearer expectation that schools should be
mobile phone-free during the school day. I am accepting that
recommendation and today publishing strengthened guidance for
schools.
Under the revised guidance, schools will retain flexibility to
determine how restrictions are implemented locally. Schools may
choose approaches that best suit their circumstances, provided
they achieve the objective of preventing routine pupil access to
personal mobile phones during the school day. Appropriate
exceptions will continue to be available for medical,
safeguarding, disability and special educational needs where
required.
Emphasising the need to gather views before any final decisions
are taken, said: "I am also today launching
a 12-week public consultation on bringing forward legislation
change to support mobile phone-free schools. Before any final
decisions are taken, it is important that parents, pupils,
teachers and school leaders have an opportunity to have their say
and I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest to
respond to the consultation.
"My aim is simple. I want schools to be places where children and
young people can focus on learning, enjoy healthy friendships and
thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
"This is not about being anti-technology. It is about getting the
balance right and ensuring that children and young people can
benefit from the opportunities technology offers while protecting
them from its risks.
"By creating calmer, more focused learning environments, we can
help every child get the very best from their education."
The public consultation on Measures to Support Mobile Phone-Free
Schools in Northern Ireland' will open on 27 August 2026 and run
for 12 weeks.
The consultation can be accessed at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-measures-support-mobile-phone-free-schools-northern-ireland.
Notes to Editors:
1. The Department has published the final independent evaluation
report by King's College London, Lockable Smartphone Pouches
in Northern Ireland Post Primary Schools A Cohort Study. The
evaluation report is available at: Lockable Smartphone Pouches in
Northern Ireland Post Primary Schools A Cohort
Study_0.pdf
2. The Department has also published updated guidance on the use
of mobile phones in schools and EOTAS centres establishing a
clear expectation that schools should be mobile phone-free by
default. The guidance is available at: DE Circular 2026 16 Guidance on
the Use of Mobile Phones in Schools and EOTAS Centres in Northern
Ireland.pdf
3. The consultation on Measures to Support Mobile Phone-Free
Schools in Northern Ireland will run from 27 August to 19
November 2026.
