EVC Spring 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 21
Advice
The Secretary of State for Education has been clear that schools should
be phone-free, which raises the question ‘What about educational
visits?’ DfE guidance on mobile phone use on off-site visits hasn’t
changed and leaves room for schools to make their own decisions as
long as the visit experience isn’t disrupted. The ‘should’ in the phrase
‘should consider prohibiting or restricting their use’* is important but
puts the onus back on to schools to set and enforce policies
which will inevitably differ from school to school.
Should educational
visits be phone-free?
Jake Wiid, Educational Visits
Adviser, EVOLVE Advice
SO WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
FOCUS ON THE PURPOSE, NOT THE DEVICE
When EVCs ask us this question at EVOLVE Advice, we
support them to form and evidence their position so
that their staff, children and parents/carers have a clear
decision and understand the reasons behind it.
The key question is not ‘Is a phone involved?’ but
‘What is this technology being used for?’
Start with your wider establishment policies; is there
anything in there about mobile devices?
Safeguarding will be your number one
priority, and mobile devices can both
support and undermine the safety of your
young people.
Think about your staff, children and young
people. Your policy will need to allow for
exemptions where there are specific needs,
such as medical needs or young carers who
need to be in touch with their families.
Mobile devices open up a wealth of opportunities to
support learning. Technology is great for identifying bugs
on a nature trail, seeing how cities have changed through
augmented reality, or providing real-time translation in
overseas museums.
‘Schools should ensure
that pupils’ educational
experience on a school
trip is not disrupted by
the presence of mobile
phones and should consider
prohibiting or restricting
their use.’*
Look at progression in terms of
independence, types of supervision and
types of visit. Day visits, residentials and overseas visits
are very different experiences and your approach will
need to reflect that.
Finally, value the wider experience. Will devices be a
distraction? Will they limit those incredible personal
development opportunities that come from learning
outside the classroom?
Devices are often used to support remote
supervision on expeditions, and in
some cases they’re essential for medical
monitoring.
As an early adopter of new tech, I’m
generally supportive of using software or
devices in and out of school where they
support learning and as part of a balanced
approach to education. And that’s the
key – balance.
There is no right answer to the question ‘Should
educational visits be phone-free?’ It’s a risk-benefit
analysis. Do the benefits clearly outweigh the risks?
And are those risks manageable?
This is not a decision to tackle alone. Speak to your
leadership team, your DSL and your Educational Visits
Adviser. We’re all here to support you to make an
informed and balanced decision.
WHAT IS THE PHONE FOR?
Does it enhance or bring the learning to life?
Does it allow participants to record their
experience for use back at school?
Does it expose children and young people to risks
such as bullying, peer pressure or intrusion?
Does it support safeguarding and welfare?
Does it allow students to be independent without
compromising safety?
Does it add to the students’ experience or detract
from it?
*DfE Guidance: Mobile phones in schools. Updated 19 January 2026.
THE EVC MAGAZINE – SPRING 2026
21
