The DfE is also launching a consultation to explore independent safety certification for “EdTech” to give parents and schools confidence that education technology being used in schools is safe.
More than 150 clinicians warned of a “crisis” in children’s physical and developmental health linked to screen-based learning.
And last week, Education Minister Paul Waugh said there was a “wild west” of education technology products in the country.
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said: “I am delighted that Labour has finally listened to us and agreed to properly ban smartphones in schools.”
She also welcomed the review into education technology, but criticised a lack of “joined up thinking” over what was allowed in classrooms.
Young people under-16 will be banned from using social media in March.
Lisa Nandy, the Culture Secretary, said on Sunday that online marketplaces such as eBay, Vinted, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace could be included in the ban.

