The debate over smartphones in schools has been reignited in recent weeks, with the release of the Netflix drama Adolescence and a lively exchange at Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) bringing the issue sharply into public focus. But how many schools actually ban mobile phones? Full Fact, the UK’s leading independent fact-checking charity, delves into the data to find out.
During PMQs, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer claimed that “almost every school bans phones in school,” a statement swiftly challenged by Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch, who retorted: “The Prime Minister is wrong: not all schools do this. Only one in 10 schools is smartphone-free.”
The truth, as ever, lies somewhere in between—and depends significantly on what is meant by a ‘ban’.
What do the numbers say?
Various surveys paint a mixed picture. A 2019 government report suggested 49% of secondary schools had a “strict no-use policy” for phones. More recently, data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) in late 2022 showed that 70% of 137 surveyed secondary schools in England reported phones were not allowed on school premises, a figure estimated to apply to roughly 72% of pupils.
Another source, education research group Teacher Tapp, conducted a survey in February 2024. It found only 5% of secondary teachers worked at schools where phones were not allowed on the premises at all. A further 9% said their schools required pupils to hand in their phones during the day. Meanwhile, 48% said phones could not be used at all during the day but pupils could keep them, and 21% said phones were only permitted when a teacher gave permission.
In December 2023, Policy Exchange issued Freedom of Information requests to 250 secondary schools in England, receiving responses from 162. Of these, 13% were judged to have an “effective ban”, while another 52% allowed pupils to keep phones but banned usage. The rest had “partial bans”, typically allowing phone use under teacher direction.
Interpreting the figures
If we define a “ban” as meaning students are not allowed to use phones during the day—regardless of whether they possess them—Sir Keir’s assertion may hold water. According to Teacher Tapp, approximately 83% of secondary teachers work in schools where students aren’t permitted to use their phones (even if they’re allowed to carry them). This could justify his “almost every school” remark.
On the other hand, if we interpret a “ban” more strictly—meaning pupils cannot possess phones at all or must hand them in—then Mrs Badenoch’s claim that only one in ten schools are truly “smartphone-free” is closer to the mark.
Notably, education policy is devolved, and both politicians seemed to be referring specifically to English schools, over which the UK Government has control.
But are the bans enforced?
Policies are one thing—practice is another. Data from the National Behaviour Survey in May 2023 revealed that illicit phone use is common in secondary school classrooms. Around 46% of GCSE students said phone use occurred in “most or all” of their lessons the previous week. While this doesn’t specify the severity of the use, it clearly indicates that enforcement of bans is inconsistent.
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Mrs Badenoch cited this when she claimed phones disrupted nearly half of GCSE classes daily. While the statistic is accurate, the survey doesn’t differentiate between disruptive and minor use—checking the time might be included alongside more disruptive behaviour.
Government guidance
The Department for Education updated its guidance in February 2024, stating that “all schools should prohibit the use of mobile phones throughout the school day – not only during lessons but break and lunchtimes as well.” The intent is clear: full-day bans are the government’s preferred policy.
Conclusion
There’s no single figure that settles the debate. Sir Keir’s and Mrs Badenoch’s statements both have some basis in data—depending on definitions. Most secondary schools seem to discourage phone use during the day, supporting Sir Keir’s view. But relatively few enforce total bans, giving some credence to Mrs Badenoch’s position. What remains clear is that phone policies are widespread—but enforcement remains a significant challenge.
