Givan launches consultation on legislating for mobile phone-free schools

Date published: 27 August 2026

The announcement follows the publication of an independent evaluation by King's College London of the Department of Education's Mobile Phone-Free Schools Pilot, which found that restricting access to smartphones during the school day helped create calmer, safer and more focused learning environments

Announcing the measures, Paul Givan said: 

"The evidence from the Kings College London report and wider research indicates that unrestricted access to mobile phones during the school day can have a detrimental impact on learning, behaviour, wellbeing and safeguarding.

"The independent evaluation carried out by King's College London found that schools participating in the pilot experienced improvements in classroom focus, engagement, behaviour, safeguarding and social interaction. Teachers reported fewer disruptions, stronger relationships and a more positive school environment overall.”

Alongside the Kings College London findings, a Department of Education survey of schools highlighted widespread concern about the impact of mobile phones in educational settings. The survey found:

• 73% of respondents believed the overall impact of mobile phones during the school day was negative;
• 71% reported a significant impact on pupil wellbeing;
• More than 90% linked mobile phones to behavioural issues;
• 83% cited online conflict spilling into school, while 77% identified safeguarding concerns and 71% highlighted cyberbullying.

Paul Givan continued: 

"As a parent, I understand why many families want their children to have a phone. But I also know that every parent wants their child to be able to concentrate in class, feel safe in school and make the very most of their education.

"Every child deserves to come to school ready to learn, free from unnecessary distractions, and able to build positive relationships, develop confidence and achieve their full potential.

"Schools across Northern Ireland have told us they are dealing daily with the consequences of excessive mobile phone use, including distraction from learning, cyberbullying, online conflict, safeguarding concerns and impacts on wellbeing.

"While many schools already have robust policies in place, I believe we now need a stronger and more consistent approach across our education system.

"The King's College London evaluation recommended that the Department establish a clearer expectation that schools should be mobile phone-free during the school day. I am accepting that recommendation and today publishing strengthened guidance for schools.”

Under the revised guidance, schools will retain flexibility to determine how restrictions are implemented locally. Schools may choose approaches that best suit their circumstances, provided they achieve the objective of preventing routine pupil access to personal mobile phones during the school day. Appropriate exceptions will continue to be available for medical, safeguarding, disability and special educational needs where required.

Emphasising the need to gather views before any final decisions are taken, Paul Givan said: 

"I am also today launching a 12-week public consultation on bringing forward legislation change to support mobile phone-free schools. Before any final decisions are taken, it is important that parents, pupils, teachers and school leaders have an opportunity to have their say and I would therefore encourage anyone with an interest to respond to the consultation."

"My aim is simple. I want schools to be places where children and young people can focus on learning, enjoy healthy friendships and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

"This is not about being anti-technology. It is about getting the balance right and ensuring that children and young people can benefit from the opportunities technology offers while protecting them from its risks.

"By creating calmer, more focused learning environments, we can help every child get the very best from their education."

The public consultation on ‘Measures to Support Mobile Phone-Free Schools in Northern Ireland’ will open on 27 August 2026 and run for 12 weeks.

The consultation can be accessed at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-measures-support-mobile-phone-free-schools-northern-ireland.