Written question WQ92925

Policies on mobile phone usage within the school day are a matter for schools and governing bodies. We believe schools are best placed to make this decision, reflecting on the way they use technology within a school setting and the needs of their learners.

When setting their mobile phone policies, we encourage schools to consider the effect mobiles could have on learning and pupil wellbeing.

A school's behaviour policy needs to reflect its own circumstances, and this could include the use of mobile phones on school premises, where appropriate. Headteachers can already ban or restrict the use of phones and other electronic devices such as tablets if they choose to do so.

However, where managed properly, mobile devices can be used effectively and innovatively in the classroom to aid learning.