How to review your mobile phone policy

Key points to look out for

The rules for different groups within your school

A good policy will cover what's expected from staff and pupils, and ideally, parents and visitors too. It'll also explain the rationale behind those rules, including reference to safeguarding requirements, data protection and behaviour.

The sanctions for both staff and pupils breaking these rules should also be clearly explained.

Searching, examining and erasing phone content

If your policy sets out circumstances where staff will examine the content of pupils' phones, the procedure must be compliant with the Department for Education (DfE)'s latest guidance on searching, screening and confiscation at school.

It should also specify which members of staff have been authorised by the headteacher to carry out searches.

Loss, theft, damage and storage

It's best for your school's policy to include a disclaimer to say you accept no responsibility for damaged, lost or stolen phones, including when confiscated by staff.