Mobile Phones in Schools

Sam Rushworth Excerpts

Tuesday 10th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Josh MacAlister]

We are aware of that option being available to schools, and I know of some schools that have taken that approach. Part of the reason why we are making this announcement this week, with sufficient time ahead of implementation of updated guidance for September next year, is to extract the best learning from existing practice in the school system, including the school referenced by the hon. Member. We want to make sure that the way in which this is described allows for the best existing practice that has been developed, including the use of what are sometimes called dumbphones.

[Dr Sam Rushworth (Bishop Auckland) (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for the announcement of this updated guidance. I still remember not long ago the look of embarrassment on the faces behind the shadow Secretary of State when she opposed the Government’s efforts to get to grips with Grok and nudification apps. Of course, the most harmful behaviour on phones happens outside school, so would the Minister update us on the Government’s progress in keeping children safe from the features of their phones that can cause real damage?

[Josh MacAlister]

Yes, there is a wider set of issues to do with children and technology. The Government have taken action on a full social media ban, which will come into effect next year. Action has been taken against AI chatbots and nudification images, and there is of course the action we are taking today, which builds on action we took earlier this year. All of that taken together is this House and the Government trying to wrestle with the best way to move on this issue and get ahead of it. As I said earlier, I believe we will have to come back to this issue time and again to be ahead of the curve.