Minister McEntee issues new guidance on mobile phone use in schools, supported by €9m funding
- Published on: 13 June 2025
- Last updated on: 13 June 2025
Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee TD has today (June 13) announced comprehensive national guidance on the use of and access to personal mobile phones by students during the school day.
Under the new guidance:
- recognised primary schools are required to implement a policy to ban the use of and access to mobile phones during the school day.
- recognised post-primary schools must implement a policy to restrict mobile phone use during the school day, supported by practical funding for implementation.
The guidance is designed to enhance student wellbeing, reduce risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content, promote more focused school environments, with greater peer interaction and socialisation.
Minister for Education and Youth, Helen McEntee said:
“First and foremost, this policy is about ensuring that our schools are phone-free learning environments. Students should not be on their phones during the school day; this guidance and support will ensure all schools have the supports they need to achieve this, having regard to their own requirements.
“Having engaged with many different school communities across the country, I am confident that this policy will support student wellbeing, engagement and their interaction with their peers, while also recognising the experience and expertise of school communities and the need for consultation.
“This initiative empowers school communities to lead on the issue, backed by €9 million in funding to allow post-primary schools to use the phone storage solution that works best for their school community and their students.
“While phones should not be used in our schools, we must also recognise that technology is part of our children’s lives, so it is vital that students have access to appropriate online safety information and resources. My department continues to invest in developing digital literacy of our children and young people, while supporting schools to reduce the potentially negative consequences for them of the online world.”
A key feature of the guidance is the requirement for all schools to develop their policy in consultation with the school community — including parents, students, teaching and non-teaching staff. Schools are experienced in engaging with their communities and are encouraged to build on existing structures such as:
- parent information sessions
- student council discussions
- engagement with parents' associations
- staff meetings and focus groups
- use of school committees like student councils
- surveys and questionnaires
This collaborative approach ensures that each school’s policy reflects local needs while supporting a national goal: reducing students' exposure to harmful online content and enabling them to disengage from their phones during school hours.
Implementation mechanisms will be decided by each school, with flexibility to choose what works best, and funding available for schools’ preferred option. Examples already in use include:
- secure portable mobile phone storage pouches or lock boxes on lockers
- phones kept in lockers
- classroom lockable boxes or cubbies
- drop-off and collection at the school office
Schools will adopt a consistent approach for the full school day, with limited exemptions allowed for medical or compassionate grounds, as outlined in the guidance information.
€9m Funding Scheme for Post-Primary Schools
For those post-primary schools that implement a secure storage solution for mobile phones during the school day, such as pouches or lock boxes, schools can now apply to a funding stream of €9 million at this form, for all schools in the Free Education Scheme. Further information on the funding scheme, the rate, terms and criteria is available in circulars 0044/2025, 0045/2025 and 0046/2025 here.
Support and Resources for Schools
To assist schools and families, the department is providing:
- sample policies and implementation guidance
- communication materials for parents and school staff
- procurement advice for secure storage solutions
- support through existing programmes like Webwise, Oide, and NEPS
- alignment with national digital and wellbeing strategies
More information is available at www.gov.ie/education