England’s education minister said the government will table an amendment to introduce a legal ban on smartphones in schools through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. The Department for Education says the change gives “legal force” to practices many schools already follow and will strengthen enforcement. Ofsted inspections are expected to monitor school mobile-phone policies from April, aligning oversight with the new statutory requirement. The announcement comes after guidance encouraged schools to operate phone-free for the entire day, including lessons and breaks. The policy adds another layer to compliance-focused school governance as districts weigh classroom behavior, instructional time, and student well-being considerations tied to constant device access.