Mobile Phones in Schools

Matt Rodda Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Josh MacAlister]

Yes, certainly. First, congratulations to the students and staff at Lancaster high school on their GCSE results. It is encouraging to hear that part of that success is the leadership of the school driving down the use of smartphones altogether. I share my hon. Friend’s concerns about some of the advances in technology, and I am determined and prepared to further clarify guidance, particularly in relation to smart glasses, so that it is absolutely clear—it is clear already—that they should not be anywhere near our schools.

[Matt Rodda (Reading Central) (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for his statement and the way that he has addressed other issues around edtech, which are also very important. Could he say more about the work that will be taken forward with parents in the next few months, so that there can be further discussion about this important issue to help parents understand how the Government are taking policy forward?

[Josh MacAlister]

Absolutely. I have not had a chance to share with the House that we will be issuing guidance for parents of older children at the start of next year on healthy screentime use, which is linked to the action we are taking for education settings as well as the wider social media ban that will come into effect next year. It will build on guidance that is already in place for very young children, where there has been concern about excessive screen use for those in early years settings.