Education Minister Paul Givan has begun a 12-week public consultation on plans to legislate for mobile phone-free schools, alongside issuing strengthened guidance that sets a clear expectation schools should be phone-free by default.

The move follows an independent King's College London (KCL) evaluation of the Department of Education's Mobile Phone-Free Schools Pilot, which reported that curbing smartphone access during the school day fostered calmer, safer and more focused classrooms.

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."

A Department of Education survey of schools echoed these concerns, indicating broad unease about the effects of mobile phones in educational settings. Headline findings included:

- 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.

Givan added: "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 updated guidance, schools will decide how best to enforce restrictions locally, provided pupils do not have routine access to personal mobiles during the school day. Proportionate exceptions will remain for medical, safeguarding, disability and special educational needs.

Emphasising the importance of public input before final decisions, 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 opens on 27 August 2026 and runs for 12 weeks, closing on 19 November 2026. It can be accessed at: www.education-ni.gov.uk/consultations/public-consultation-measures-support-mobile-phone-free-schools-northern-ireland

The Department has also published the final independent evaluation report by King's College London, Lockable Smartphone Pouches in Northern Ireland Post Primary Schools – A Cohort Study, and updated guidance (DE Circular 2026/16) setting the expectation that schools and EOTAS centres should be phone-free by default.