Member

We have listened carefully to Parliament, and we recognise the strong and widespread feeling across the House on this issue. That is why the Government commit to putting forward an amendment in lieu in the other place, which will place this guidance on a statutory footing. In doing that, we will create a clear, legal requirement that the guidance must be followed unless there is a legally justifiable reason for schools not to do so. That amendment in lieu will respond directly to concerns raised by noble Lords, including directly in discussions with me, by placing that guidance on a statutory footing and providing clarity and consistency for schools across the country. In doing that, we will reduce unnecessary burdens on head teachers and send a strong message to parents, giving head teachers clear backing to create and maintain the mobile phone-free school environments that our revised guidance makes clear should exist.