Agenda item

To consider the Notice of Motion - Prohibiting Smartphone Use in Local Authority Schools.

The committee received a report responding to the Notice of Motion regarding prohibiting smartphone use in Local Authority schools, which was submitted to Full Council on 10 December 2025.

Officers outlined that the motion required consideration of four areas: restricting pupil access to mobile phones and similar devices; developing a consistent policy with schools; ensuring alternative communication arrangements were in place; and supporting schools through clear guidance and phased implementation.

It was noted that national guidance had been updated, including revised DfE guidance and a letter from the Secretary of State for Education (January 2026) advising schools to have clear policies in place by April 2026.

Members were informed of engagement with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), including information shared with schools on funding availability, pilot schools, and safeguarding improvements observed elsewhere.  Cheshire East was unable to access PCC funding directly but continued to work collaboratively to support schools.

The committee was advised of the ‘Early Years Screen Time & Usage: Call for Evidence’ consultation undertaken in February 2026, along with the  consultation currently taking place regarding proposals to ban social media for children under 16.

The Deputy PCC highlighted evidence showing reductions in safeguarding incidents, exclusions, and risks linked to mobile phone use when devices were restricted during the school day.  The aim was not to prescribe policy but to support schools with an approach shown to improve safeguarding outcomes.

The committee asked questions and made comments in respect of:

·         The use of pouches versus alternative locked storage in schools and the practical and safeguarding challenges in high?volume settings.

·         Engagement with Multi?Academy Trusts and the limitations of Council jurisdiction, noting reliance on collaboration rather than mandate.

·         The potential use of ‘brick phones’.

·         The potential impact on homework apps, access to bus timetables, and other digital use.

·         Evidence from schools and from the Esther Ghey (Brianna Ghey) Phone?Free Education campaign, particularly on reducing exposure to harmful content and improving school culture.

·         The need to act early to prevent long?term normalisation of harmful digital habits.  This would be an important first step in addressing wider issues around mobile phone use among young people, with further measures likely in the future.

In response, and in addition to the information outlined previously, the officer and Deputy PCC reported that:

·         ‘Brick phones’ were outside the scope of the current proposal, which focused on the school day.

·         The approach towards use of mobile phones for homework, bus timetabling and other digital use varied between schools and could be adapted.

·         Further work would take place as required.

RESOLVED (Unanimously):

That the Children and Families Committee

1.    Approve that Cheshire East Council can support Point 1, 3 and 4 of the Motion via:

a.    Reminding schools to refer to the DfE Guidance for Schools on prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day, February 2024.

b.    Linking schools to the Advisory Board formed by nine pilot schools in Cheshire.

c.    Continuing to work with Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) in support of the mission for Cheshire County to become the first in the UK where all high schools have phone blocking technology by September 2026.

2.    Note that Cheshire East Council cannot support Point 2 of the Motion to “implement an enforceable policy”, as the DfE Guidance for Schools on prohibiting the use of mobile phones throughout the school day, February 2024, is non-statutory guidance.