The British government has declared a total war on distraction in the classroom, issuing a directive that schools in England must be "phone-free" zones throughout the entire day—including breaks and lunchtimes.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson delivered the uncompromising message to headteachers this week, signaling the end of the "bring your own device" culture. The move is backed by the schools watchdog, Ofsted, which has been tasked with rigorously inspecting compliance. "Mobile phones have no place in our schools," Phillipson stated. "No ifs, no buts."

Taking Back the Playground

The guidance goes beyond just silencing phones during lessons. It prohibits pupils from using devices for any reason on school grounds, even as calculators or for research. The aim is to reclaim the social aspect of school life, forcing teenagers to interact with each other face-to-face rather than staring at screens.

"We are arresting a crisis of attention and mental health," Phillipson wrote in a letter to schools. "By removing the device, we remove the cyberbullying, the social anxiety, and the addiction that is eating away at our children's potential."

• The Statistics: While 99.9% of primary schools already have bans, data shows that 58% of secondary pupils still use phones illicitly during lessons. The new crackdown aims to close this enforcement gap.
• Social Media Laws: This policy coincides with a broader government consultation on an "Australian-style" social media ban for under-16s, targeting addictive features like "streaks" and "infinite scrolling."

Mixed Reactions

While many parents have welcomed the move as a necessary intervention, some educators warn of the practical nightmare of policing thousands of devices. Paul Whiteman of the National Association of Head Teachers cautioned against "heavy-handed inspection," urging the government to support, rather than threaten, school leaders. But for the government, the verdict is clear: the phone must go, so the child can learn.