Reasonable adjustments for mobile phone bans

Advice on implementing the DfE mobile phone bans for schools and reasonable adjustments.

In January 2026, the Department for Education released updated guidance on mobile phones. Following this, Bridget Phillipson released a message stating “All schools in England should follow new government guidance and be phone-free for the entire school day.” Whilst acknowledging the need for reasonable adjustments for pupils with special educational needs or disabilities, AMHIE has provided some additional guidance on access to mobile devices for pupils.

To comply with the DfE policy, schools in England must establish a phone-free environment that covers the entire duration of the school day, including breaks and lunchtimes. While headteachers have the discretion to choose a delivery model that fits their context—ranging from a total ban on school grounds to a “never seen, never heard” policy—they are being asked to formalise these rules within official Behaviour Policy. This includes setting clear sanctions and utilising statutory powers to search for and confiscate devices. To support this culture, staff are expected to lead by example by not using personal phones in front of pupils, and schools must proactively educate both students and parents on the benefits of the ban.

However, the policy must remain flexible enough to meet legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Schools are required to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with specific medical conditions, such as diabetes, as well as for students with SEND or young carers who may require device access for essential communication or health monitoring.

5 things to consider when making reasonable adjustments to mobile phone bans:

1. A reasonable adjustment is unlikely to be full time mobile phone use: There may be some exceptions, such as a young person who monitors their heart or blood sugar constantly, however most reasonable adjustments will lead to some limited access to a mobile device for a particular purpose.
2. Any arrangements that you make to enable phone access need to be practical: Whilst it may seem reasonable to arrange to keep a mobile in the Head of Year’s office, their teaching commitments, meetings or diaries may make the phone practically inaccessible. Arrangements with an office that is staffed all of the time, such as reception, are far more practical.
3. Keep a written record of any adjustments: Anything that you decide for the individual child needs to be recorded in written form, this will help to ensure that you have a record to look back on but also to cover all bases from any legal perspective and to enable all staff to easily access information pertaining to each individual case. Individual education plans, or Personal Education Plans should be updated to reflect these reasonable adjustments.
4. Minimise access to the device: There is a risk that access to the device could be abused, for example used as an excuse to leave a lesson. Clear boundaries should be put in place, depending on the needs of the young person, to allow them the access they require, without allowing them too much access, which could cause an inequality for other pupils.
5. Monitor the use of their device: There are many complexities that could come into play when one young person has something that is outside of the normal systems. Be mindful of how the child is acting, ask yourself, ‘do they seem withdrawn?’ or ‘are they asking for more access based on yesterday?’. Any changes in usage could indicate a problem arising such as bullying or even that they are using the device on behalf of others.

You can find our full playlist of videos from AMHIE Chair Richard Daniel Curtis here: Reasonable adjustments for mobile phone bans.

Further support for implementing mobile phone bans across your setting:

We know that many of you would have already implemented/created policy surrounding the use of devices in the classroom, but with this step up there is a bit more legwork to do to ensure DfE compliance. It’s clear that restricting mobile phone use can have significant academic benefits, especially for students who are more easily distracted. The impact on well-being is equally complex. The link between excessive smartphone use and poor mental health is well-documented, making the school day a prime opportunity for a “digital detox.”

Here’s our guide on developing mobile phones policy:

Here is an FAQ page that we have put together for parents and carers that you can share/edit for your own setting:

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