The UK Labour Government announced plans to amend the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill to enforce mobile phone bans in schools across England. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has previously encouraged schools to maintain phone-free environments throughout the school day, but guidance on this issue has been non-statutory until now. Baroness Smith of Malvern, an education minister, stated that the amendment will provide a clear legal requirement for schools, responding to headteachers' concerns. The amendment is expected to be voted on by MPs soon. The Department for Education emphasized that most schools already implement phone bans, and this amendment aims to reinforce existing practices. However, some teaching unions believe that additional government support, such as funding for secure phone storage, is necessary to effectively implement the ban. Overall, the move has been met with mixed reactions, with proponents arguing it will enhance student behavior and academic performance.