Schools Across Cork Must Ban Mobile Phones During School Day Under New Government Rule
Cork schools must now ban mobile phones completely during school day under new Department of Education rules. Exemptions only for medical needs.
Primary schools throughout Cork and Ireland are now required to implement strict policies prohibiting pupils from using personal mobile phones during the entire school day, including breaks and lunchtime, under new guidance from the Department of Education and Youth.
The comprehensive ban, which comes into effect immediately, aims to create phone-free learning environments that support pupil wellbeing, reduce cyberbullying risks, and encourage more face-to-face social interaction between students during school hours.
Schools must now formalise existing mobile phone policies and publish clear guidelines on their websites. The new rules require consultation with the entire school community, including parents, pupils, and staff, to determine practical implementation methods such as phone storage systems or collection procedures.
Department of Education spokesperson:
"This policy will enable children to disconnect from their online world and connect more with their peers for the duration of the school day, supporting improved concentration and academic performance."
The ban does not apply to pupils travelling to and from school or during after-school activities. However, schools must now address how the policy applies to educational trips and extra-curricular activities taking place off school grounds.
Limited exemptions may be granted for medical conditions requiring phone monitoring, such as diabetes management devices, mental health needs requiring unrestricted parent contact, or special educational requirements including visual or hearing impairments.
Cork schools will need to review and update several existing policies, including their Acceptable Usage Policy, Bí Cineálta anti-bullying procedures, and codes of behaviour to reflect the new phone-free requirements.
The Department has provided extensive support resources through Webwise Ireland's Safer Internet Awareness Centre and the Oide Teacher Education Support Service to help schools navigate the implementation process and engage with online safety education.
Schools are encouraged to use existing consultation mechanisms such as parent associations, student councils, and information sessions to develop community-specific approaches that work for their individual circumstances while maintaining the core requirement of a complete phone ban during school hours.
