Overview
- The government plans to write a school-day mobile phone ban into law through an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a move welcomed by York headteachers.
- Most York schools already keep phones out of sight during the day, and leaders report fewer bullying incidents, stronger focus in class, and more face-to-face play at breaks.
- Heartwood Learning Trust says lockable pouches brought clear gains for pupils and staff, while Fulford School reports benefits from a simple “not seen or heard” rule because it cannot afford pouch systems.
- Pathfinder Multi Academy Trust asked for resources and flexibility to apply a legal ban, and the headteachers’ union warned problems could shift beyond the school gate without strong pupil education on phone and social media harms.
- Parents in North Devon backed tighter rules yet flagged practical needs such as end‑of‑day contact and medical use like diabetes monitoring, and a local MP supported the policy provided funding follows.