A Hampshire MP has welcomed a government U-turn on banning smartphones in schools, saying the move will "finally protect children" from harm and distraction.
The government has accepted Conservative proposals to introduce a clear ban on smartphone use during the school day, following growing concern about the impact of devices on pupils’ wellbeing and learning.
North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse, who has campaigned on the issue for several years, said the decision marked a significant step forward in safeguarding young people both in and out of the classroom.
In Hampshire, Mr Malthouse recently brought together parents, teachers, medical experts and charities to explore how schools across the county could become fully smartphone-free.
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Speaking after the announcement, he said: "I’m delighted the government has finally listened and acted on our proposals.
"A clear and enforceable ban on smartphones in schools will protect children from constant distractions and the damaging effects of social media.
"In Hampshire, I heard deeply troubling accounts from parents and teachers, children being exposed to extreme content, including pornography and violence, alongside rising anxiety, serious mental health struggles, and even suicidal thoughts.
"This decision will restore calm, focus and safety in the classroom. It puts children’s wellbeing and education first. Now we need to go further and ban social media altogether for under-16s."
The move follows years of debate over smartphone use in schools, with many headteachers already introducing their own restrictions, ranging from phone lockers to outright bans during lessons.
However, until now there has been no single national policy, leading to inconsistencies between schools.
Recent studies and reports from children’s charities and health experts have linked excessive smartphone use to reduced attention spans, disrupted sleep, increased exposure to harmful online content and rising mental health concerns among young people.
The government’s decision is expected to give schools clearer backing to enforce stricter rules, with ministers arguing that removing phones from the school day will improve behaviour, concentration and overall attainment.
Further details on how the ban will be implemented nationally are expected in the coming months.
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