Schools at the centre of new government push to improve children’s digital wellbeing

The government has launched a national drive aiming to help schools reduce mobile phone use and strengthen children’s digital wellbeing.

As part of the plan, Ofsted will now check mobile phone policies during inspections. Schools will be expected to operate as phone‑free environments by default. The Department for Education is also issuing strengthened guidance. It aims to make clear that pupils should not have access to personal phones during lessons, breaks or transitions.

National consultation on children’s digital wellbeing

Alongside changes in schools, the government is opening a national consultation to explore wider measures aimed at improving children’s relationship with technology. This includes proposals such as age‑verification for social media and limits on addictive app features.

Parents will also receive new evidence‑based guidance on screen time. The goal is to help families and schools take a more consistent approach to managing device use. The overall aim is to support children in developing healthier digital habits. It also seeks to reduce the pressures associated with constant online engagement.

For schools, the proposals signal a stronger national push for clear, enforceable mobile‑phone bans and closer alignment with families on digital wellbeing. The government believes this approach places schools at the centre of a broader effort to ensure children grow up with a balanced, safe and positive relationship with technology.

The Children’s Society welcomes the consultation

Responding to the announcement of the consultation, Mark Russell, CEO of The Children’s Society said:

“It will be essential that this consultation is shaped with young people, putting their voices front and centre. 

“Blanket solutions won’t reflect the reality of young people’s lives – how they use their phones or go online, nor the genuine reasons some need access in school, for safety or caring responsibilities.

“If the government wants real change, the responsibility for making the online world safe must sit with the tech platforms designing these platforms, restricting harmful content and addictive design – not place that burden on children, parents, carers or schools.

“We look forward to taking part in this national conversation, listening to young people, and working together to keep them safe online.” 

The NAHT have a split opinion

Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“Schools leaders are as concerned as anyone about the impact of social media and phones on children and young people.

“We welcome the news that the government will take its time to properly consider a ban on social media for under 16s. It’s important that we learn from other countries and consider the unintended consequences as well as the advantages of such an approach. 

“The vast majority of schools already have restrictions on the use of mobile phones on school sites. The government’s suggestion that Ofsted should be ‘policing’ school policies is deeply unhelpful and misguided. School leaders need support from government, not the threat of heavy-handed inspection.” 

Overall, the government’s initiative reflects a determined effort to create healthier digital habits for children, but its success will depend on balancing firm school‑wide expectations with young people’s lived realities and placing stronger accountability on tech companies. The mixed reactions from sector leaders highlight that while the aims are widely supported, the implementation must be thoughtful, collaborative and genuinely responsive to the needs of students and schools alike.