Since September, schools in England have been required to be mobile phone-free environments by default. They are expected to ensure pupils do not have access to their phones during the school day, including breaktimes and lunchtimes, with head teachers able to decide how to implement the policy.

Will the ban make a difference? What does the evidence tell us about smartphone use in schools? And what are the options are available to school leaders?

In this episode, NAHT assistant general secretary James Bowen is joined by Dr Ben Knight and Dr Paul Redford from UWE Bristol to discuss their research into smartphone use and school policy. They explore the impact of smartphones on learning and the practical challenges school staff face enforcing phone-free environments.

For more insightful and engaging discussions on key issues in education and school leadership, explore NAHT’s online magazine ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leadership Focus⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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