Every secondary school leader knows the feeling – when you spot another student sneaking a glance at their phone during assembly, despite having a “strict no phones policy.” You’re not alone in feeling like you’re fighting a losing battle, and the latest research only proves you right.

The Government’s Expectations

According to recent to Department for Education guidance schools have been advised to develop a policy that prevents the use of mobile phones and similar technologies, during the school day including breaktimes.

However, what most schools don’t realise, is that while the guidance on mobile phones in schools is not statutory, the government still has an expectation for the restriction to be included (at least) as part of your wider behaviour policies. This means that you have more flexibility than you think as schools can develop their own policies to suit unique learning communities.

Of course, the government could suggest a one-size-fits-all mandate, however, it’s clear that schools will better succeed with this challenge when they make the rules to suit their own ethos. For example, some may allow phones to be brought into school but not to be used during school hours, including during breaks.

The Research

Recent research reveals why your phone policies might not be working right now. Students attending schools that ban the use of phones throughout the school day aren’t necessarily experiencing better mental health and wellbeing, as the first worldwide study of its kind has found that just banning smartphones is not enough to tackle their negative impacts.

The study, involving 1,227 students from 30 schools across England, found that:

• Among all students in both permissive and restrictive policy schools, smartphone use was on average between 4-6 hours per day
• Phone bans in schools led to only a slight decrease in students using phones (approximately 40 minutes) and social media (approximately 30 minutes) during school time
• There was no meaningful difference in mental health, wellbeing, or educational outcomes between students in schools with phone bans versus those without.

Their Distraction = Your Frustration

Similar data from the Smartphone Free Childhood found that the average teen receives 237 smartphone notifications a day which is the ultimate distraction. Additionally, approx. 1 in 6 children are experiencing cyberbullying, and 90% of girls and 50% of boys see explicit content on their phones they didn’t want to see.

These aren’t just numbers – it’s the reality in classrooms nationwide meaning students are finding it difficult to focus because they’re carrying devices designed to capture their attention every few minutes.

Is Banning Enough?

SLTs consistently report that enforcing school bans is often the largest challenge. The DfE’s Mobile Phones in Schools guidance found that one in three secondary school pupils report mobile phones are used in most lessons without permission, highlighting the gap between policy intention and classroom reality. And with already demanding roles, teachers are feeling the burden of yet another rule to enforce, as one teacher noted, implementing bans “requires teachers in the classrooms to enforce these policies.”

Funnily, Technology Can Also Help Solve This Problem

Rather than relying solely on policy, successful schools combine clear expectations with technology solutions that make compliance easier and more effective:

Secure Storage Solutions

Professional lockable phone storage systems remove the temptation and enforcement burden by physically securing devices during school hours. This approach removes the need for constant vigilance whilst ensuring students can access devices for emergency situations.

Advanced Network Management

Modern Wi-Fi solutions allow schools to create differentiated access levels. For example, students might be able to access educational platforms and emergency communications whilst being blocked from social media and entertainment sites during lesson time.

Monitoring and Analytics

Modern network monitoring tools provide detailed insights into device usage patterns, helping schools understand actual behaviour rather than relying on assumptions about policy compliance.

Enhanced Communication Systems 

Robust school communication platforms reduce the excuse that students need phones to contact parents, providing secure, monitored alternatives that maintain family connectivity whilst maintaining learning focus.

Learning Rather Than Just Restricting

Some education experts argue that complete phone bans miss educational opportunities. This perspective suggests that schools might consider policies that teach responsible technology use rather than complete avoidance, preparing students for a world where they’ll need to manage these tools throughout their lives.

Addressing Parent Concerns

Parent support for phone policies varies significantly. ParentKind’s National Parent Survey revealed that 44% of parents are concerned about the amount of time their children spend on electronic devices, rising to 50% of parents of secondary school children, indicating substantial support for restrictions.

What’s Working?

Schools reporting positive outcomes from phone policies typically combine multiple approaches:

Internal Communications: Professional phone systems that enable staff to contact each other efficiently without relying on personal mobile devices.

Clear, Consistent Messaging: Policies that explain the educational rationale rather than simply imposing rules tend to generate better buy-in from both students and parents.

Technology-Supported Enforcement: Schools using lockable pouches, secured storage, or network management report easier implementation and better compliance.

Alternative Engagement: Providing compelling alternatives to phone use – from interactive classroom technology to engaging break-time activities – reduces the appeal of phone checking.

Moving Forward: Creating Policies That Actually Work

Rather than viewing phone policies as a binary choice between complete bans and unrestricted use, why not develop a nuanced approach supported by appropriate technology:

Assessment First: Understand your current situation through surveys and monitoring before implementing changes.

Technology Evaluation: Ensure your infrastructure can support whatever policy approach you choose.

Stakeholder Engagement: Involve students, parents, and staff in developing policies that they understand and support.

Implementation Support: Invest in technology solutions that make compliance easier rather than harder.

Ongoing Review: Regularly assess policy effectiveness and adjust based on evidence rather than assumptions.

Phone policies feel impossible to get right because simple bans aren’t enough. The schools succeeding are those that combine clear expectations with technology solutions, creating environments where students can focus on learning without constant distraction.

Get The Technology That Supports Your Policy

Using the form below, contact Dataspire for an assessment of how technology solutions can support effective mobile phone management that enhances rather than disrupts your learning environment.