Pupils face classroom phone ban

Devon councillors have backed plans to ban mobile phones in schools from the start of the next academic year, in a move designed to protect pupils’ focus, learning and wellbeing.

While local authorities cannot force schools to adopt such a policy, members of Devon County Council voted overwhelmingly to endorse the “principle of a countywide ban on student smartphone use during the school day”, including at break and lunchtimes. Maintained schools will be offered a model policy to follow, and the council hopes academies and independent schools will also sign up.

A consultation will run before the spring term, with results due in February 2026 and implementation from September. Department for Education guidance outlines four approaches, ranging from banning phones altogether to requiring them to be stored in lockers or kept out of sight. Councillors argued the stricter options are most effective.

The motion was proposed by Cllr Graham Bell (Lib Dem, Braunton Rural), who said schools were “calling out for a steer” from the council. He argued that even unused, smartphones “steal attention” and are linked to lower academic achievement.

Cllr Steve Lodge (Lib Dem, Tiverton West) said the council’s backing would give schools “the authority and consistency needed” to enforce firm rules, adding: “It might be unpopular with some parents, but it is in the best interests of pupils’ learning and wellbeing.”

Cllr Thomas Richardson (Green, St Sidwells & St James), who left school just five years ago, warned of the rising classroom disruption caused by smartphones and the risks of harmful online content.

The motion was carried with near-unanimous support, councillors agreeing that schools needed stronger backing to limit distraction and give pupils the best chance to succeed.