A TEACHING union called for new laws today to require phones to be locked away while pupils are at schools.

NASUWT said that current guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) is insufficient and exposes schools to challenges from parents and inconsistency.

Its national executive has backed legislation for pupils to either place their phones in lockable pouches or secure storage on arrival at school.

NASUWT general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Teachers are telling us that mobile phones have become one of the most persistent and damaging sources of disruption in schools.

“From interrupted learning and reduced concentration to confrontations when staff ask pupils to hand over devices, the situation has reached a critical point. 

“Mere guidance and supportive words to schools from the Education Secretary [Bridget Phillipson] is simply not enough.”

The union said there should first be a pilot scheme before the ban becomes law to identify best practice, and that schools will need funding for phone storage.

There would also need to be appropriate exemptions for pupils with medical needs, special educational needs and disabilities (Send), and caring responsibilities, the union added.

The government has announced a consultation on a social media ban, and also updated guidance around phone use in schools, stressing pupils “should not have access to their devices during lessons, break times, lunch times, or between lessons.”

A DfE spokesperson said: “Mobile phones have no place in classrooms.

“The Education Secretary has written to headteachers to ask them to ensure policies are enforced consistently, and Ofsted will examine both schools’ mobile phone policies and how effectively they are applied when judging behaviour during inspections.”