One Year On: How Phone Bans Are Changing Education in the UK

Over the past year, many schools across the UK — including British private schools and state schools — have introduced or strengthened mobile phone bans, and the impact on education has been clear.

What the Data Shows

A recent survey by the Children’s Commissioner found that 90% of secondary schools now restrict mobile phone use, with nearly all primary schools implementing similar policies.

Leaders in both private and state schools report that phone restrictions reduce distractions, improve focus, and encourage better behavior in the classroom.

Beyond classroom management, they emphasize that phone bans support digital wellbeing and promote real social interaction among students.

Schools’ Experiences

At Fyling Hall School, a British independent school, headmaster Steven Allen described their one-year mobile phone ban as “one of the most impactful decisions we’ve made.”

Breaks are now lively, with laughter, face-to-face conversations, and games — interactions that phones previously crowded out.

Students are more attentive, more engaged, and more willing to interact across different year groups.

Allen stresses that the ban was never intended as a punishment. It was designed to give students space to relax, reconnect with peers, and develop healthy relationships with technology.

Why Phone Bans Matter in UK Schools

This is not just a local experiment — it reflects a broader trend in education in the UK. Both private and state schools have found that limiting phone use:

• Supports focused learning and reduces classroom distractions.
• Helps maintain student wellbeing and reduces stress linked to social media.
• Encourages face-to-face social interaction and strengthens friendships among students.

As more schools implement mobile phone policies, evidence shows that these restrictions help create healthier, more connected, and focused learning environments, benefiting students across the country.

Most parents support phone bans in schools. While students’ reactions may vary, many are beginning to appreciate the opportunity to engage and concentrate without constant digital distractions.