Should smartphones disappear from school? Around the world, more governments are answering “yes” — at least during the school day. UNESCO said in March 2026 that 114 education systems, about 58% of countries worldwide, now have a national ban on mobile phones in schools. Many of these are “bell-to-bell” rules. In other words, phones are not just banned in class. Students must keep them away for the whole day, including lunch and break time. (unesco.org)
The trend is easy to see. In England, official guidance explains how schools can prohibit mobile phones throughout the school day, and that guidance was revised again in 2026. New Zealand requires state schools to make sure students do not use or access a phone at school, even during breaks. New York started statewide bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in September 2025, while South Australia tells students to keep phones “off and away all day,” and Victoria requires phones to be switched off and stored securely during the school day. France has also been moving in this direction for years: phone use is already banned in primary schools and lower secondary schools, and more than 32,000 students tried a stricter “digital break” system in 2024–2025. (gov.uk)
Why are these bans spreading? The main reason is simple: schools want more attention, calmer classrooms, and better face-to-face communication. In New York, a June 1, 2026 survey of 585 educators found that about 80% reported positive results, including better engagement and stronger social connections. Victoria’s government page also points to a 2024 New South Wales survey of nearly 1,000 principals: 87% said students were less distracted, 86% said socialising improved, and 81% said learning improved. South Australia says its own review, based on more than 3,000 staff, parents, and students, found the policy helped create safer classrooms with fewer negative effects from personal devices. (governor.ny.gov)
Still, a ban is not a magic answer. UNESCO argues that technology should be used in class only when it clearly supports learning, not simply because it is available. Most school rules also allow exceptions for health needs, disability support, emergencies, or teacher-led learning tasks. So the real question may not be “phones or no phones?” It may be this: when should a phone help learning, and when does it just steal attention? (unesco.org)










