UK to ban school smartphones

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan stated that the ban is necessary to combat cyberbullying and the negative impact of social media on students' mental health.

While 90% of schools are already compliant with non-binding guidelines, the new law will provide headteachers with stronger legal backing for enforcement.

The policy has received broad support from parent groups and the Conservative Party, though some teachers' unions have questioned how the law will be implemented in practice.

The legislation is part of a wider government strategy to regulate children's digital lives and improve educational outcomes.